As you get older, your eyes are at risk of developing a condition known as age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. This condition involves deterioration in the macula, which plays a crucial role in your central vision. Screening for AMD is vital since the condition can result in significant vision loss. Our eye doctor at Vision Associates of Westland in Westland, MI, provides testing and treatment for macular degeneration for patients across the Canton, Garden City, Livonia, Plymouth, and Wayne, MI, areas. We are here to tell you more about macular degeneration and how we can help treat and manage it.
Causes of Macular Degeneration
The macula in your retina begins to wear down as you age, causing a loss of central vision. Although the specific cause of AMD is not fully understood, genetic and lifestyle factors appear to play a role. Being over the age of 50, having heart disease, obesity, and smoking can all increase the risk of developing AMD.
Symptoms and Types of Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration does not cause pain, but you might notice that your central vision is blurry. The vision loss from macular degeneration can make reading, driving, or performing daily activities challenging. You can still have difficulty seeing with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.
The two stages of AMD are dry AMD and wet AMD. Dry AMD is the most common form of macular degeneration, occurring when your macula thins with age and causes clumps of drusen to grow. You slowly lose central vision and may have pigment abnormalities or geographic atrophy.
Wet AMD occurs when your blood vessels near the macula are abnormal and bulge and leak, scarring the macula and causing significant vision loss. This vision loss also occurs more suddenly than with dry AMD. Symptoms of wet AMD include straight lines appearing crooked or wavy, blank spots in your vision, and colors seeming less bright than before.
Treatment Options for Macular Degeneration
An early diagnosis is vital for managing AMD and protecting against vision loss. You can take vitamins and supplements, such as vitamin E and lutein, to support eye health and slow the progression of the disease during the dry stage of AMD. Specialty eyeglasses or contact lenses can also help you see better. Medication, photodynamic therapy, and other treatments are available for the wet stage of AMD. Your eye doctor will discuss which treatment option best suits your visual needs based on the symptoms and severity of your AMD.
Schedule an Eye Exam with Our Optometrist in Westland, MI, Today
Macular degeneration can significantly impact your ability to read, drive, work, or perform daily tasks, so contact Vision Associates of Westland in Westland, MI, to get the treatment you need to protect your eye and vision health. Our eye doctor serves patients in and around Westland, including Canton, Garden City, Livonia, Plymouth, and Wayne, MI. We also offer other eye care services, including dry eye treatment and glaucoma management, so call us and schedule an appointment today at (734) 326-2160.
