Macular Degeneration

AMD can be separated into two categories: dry and wet. Dry AMD is the most common form of AMD, and there is no treatment for it. Symptoms of Dry AMD include:

• Needing more light when reading

• Increased difficulty in adapting to lower light situations

• Increased blurriness of vision

• Dull color vision

• Hazy vision

• Crooked central vision

• A blurry or blind spot in central vision
  
  

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition in which the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision, begins to degenerate. This causes major vision problems and can cause blindness. At Shepard Eye, we are here to help our patients through treatment and management of AMD.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately. Our doctors at Shepard Eye will perform something called an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan, which will allow them to look at your retina and assess any abnormalities. During an OTC scan, our doctors will be able to diagnose you with AMD. From there, the next course of action depends on which type of AMD you have.

Dry AMD is not currently treatable. Some doctors will suggest taking vitamins for eye health to slow the progression of the disease. Our doctors at Shepard Eye will keep track of dry AMD progression, as it has the potential to turn into a more severe form of the disease: wet AMD.
With wet AMD, new abnormal blood vessels start to grow under the retina and macula. The new blood vessels will start to leak fluid or bleed, causing the macula to bulge or lift, distorting vision. Vision loss from wet AMD often occurs rapidly.

Wet AMD occurs in about 10 percent of all AMD cases. This is an advanced stage, and symptoms are more severe. Wet AMD does have many treatments, however. Medications such as Lucentis, or injectable medications such as Eyelea and Macugen may be used to stop the growth of new, weak blood vessels. Laser treatment is an option for about 15 to 20 percent of patients with wet AMD.

Our doctors at Shepard Eye are skilled and experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of AMD. If you are experiencing the symptoms of AMD, give Shepard Eye a call today!