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AMD – Macular Degeneration

Love Your Eyes

Do you ever wonder, “What exactly is Macular Degeneration?”, or “What can I do to protect myself from developing Macular Degeneration?”? Well, you’ve come to the right place. First, here are a few quick facts about AMD (Age-related macular degeneration):

  • AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people aged 50 and over in developed countries.
  • There are two basic types of AMD: “dry” and “wet” with 85-90% of people who are affected, having the “dry” type.
  • There is no treatment for the “dry” kind, though many studies are currently being conducted. Intraocular injections and laser are both used for treatment of the “wet” kind.
  • The biggest risk factor for developing AMD is age, which is why it is called “age-related” macular degeneration.

“How do I know if I have macular degeneration?” Early symptoms include:

  • Gradual loss of clear, central vision
  • Distortion to shapes of objects or waviness to straight lines
  • A dark spot in the center of your vision

The earlier that AMD is detected, the better; this is why most eyecare professionals recommend routine, annual eye exams.

“What can I do to reduce my risk of developing macular degeneration?” Unfortunately, many risk factors like age, sex and race are non-modifiable. There are a few things we can control:

  • Do not smoke.
  • Eat a diet rich in green, leafy vegetables.
  • Protect your eyes from UV exposure by wearing large brimmed hats or sunglasses when outside.

We at EYE VISON ASSOCIATES can help diagnose and manage macular degeneration. If you have a family history of AMD and have not had a routine eye exam in a few years, we would be happy to have you in for an exam. Please give us a call at 631-588-5100 to schedule an appointment so we can help keep your eyes healthy!

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updated Feb. 16, 2023
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