Macular degeneration is an increasingly prevalent disease that typically affects older patients. The disease affects the choroid—the layer underneath the retina—which can profoundly affect your vision.
Macular Degeneration Symptoms
Macular degeneration causes vision loss, most commonly in patients over age 50. The most common signs are blurriness in your central field of vision, colors appearing less vivid, and visual distortion of straight lines.
Click here to learn how to recognize the signs of macular degeneration.
Types of Macular Degeneration
There are two main types of macular degeneration; nonexudative (dry) and exudative (wet) forms.
Nonexudative (Dry)
The dry form of macular degeneration can progress insidiously over years and decades, but it will typically present to your ophthalmologist on routine dilated eye exams and it. However, studies show this insidious progress can be slowed with vitamin supplements. We recommend starting “eye vitamins” (such as preservision or ocuvite) to help slow the progression, but also regular eye exams to monitor for the acute transition to the “wet” form.
Exudative (Wet)
The wet form of macular degeneration is when blood or fluid can leak from the choroid into the retina, causing acute (and sometimes profound) vision loss. This form is treated with anti-VEGF medication, which can dramatically improve a patient’s vision in most cases. These medications are a true breakthrough in the medical treatment of macular degeneration over the past 15-20 years!
Vision loss from macular degeneration is preventable. Reach out and we’ll help you find the best treatment.
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