Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of severe vision loss among people 50 and older. At Atlantic Retina Consultants in Melbourne, Merritt Island, Palm Bay, Titusville, and Rockledge, Florida, experienced optometrists Hetal Vaishnav, MD, Gary Ganiban, MD, and their team diagnose and treat macular degeneration. Their aim is to reduce the risk of worsening vision problems. Schedule an eye evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a disease that slowly restricts central vision due to damage to part of your retina (macula). Though it’s rare to be rendered completely blind by macular degeneration, it can result in severe central vision loss and a reduced ability to see fine details.

Seek treatment at the first sign of vision changes or other alarming symptoms of an eye disease.

What are the different types of macular degeneration?

The two main forms of macular degeneration are:

Dry

About 8 out of 10 people with age-related macular degeneration have this form. Light-sensitive cells in the macular break down gradually, often one eye at a time, leading to slow vision loss.

Wet

Wet macular degeneration is less common but typically causes more severe vision loss. It’s caused by abnormal blood vessels growing beneath the retina and leaking blood and fluid. This creates a blind spot in the center of your vision.

What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration can cause:

• Fuzzy or blurry vision
• Straight lines appearing wavy
• Blind spot appearing in your center vision
• Loss of central vision
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• Problems completing close-up work

The early development of macular degeneration might cause no symptoms. Advanced macular degeneration can cause you to lose your ability to drive or read small print.

What increases the risk of macular degeneration?

Risk factors for developing macular degeneration include:

• Being 50 or older
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Smoking
• Diet high in saturated fat
• Family history of macular degeneration
• Obesity

Adopting healthy habits might reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. 

How is macular degeneration diagnosed?

Diagnosing macular degeneration involves discussing your medical history, a vision test, and an eye exam. Your eye doctor dilates your pupils to get a clearer look at the inner part of your eyes. They can detect tiny yellow deposits in the retina, an early sign of age-related macular degeneration, to detect this condition before symptoms develop.

Your specialist might inject a dye into your vein and take pictures of your eyes as the dye passes through the retinal blood vessels. An Amsler grid uses a checkerboard to help detect or rule out wet macular degeneration.

How is macular degeneration managed?

While there’s no treatment for dry macular degeneration, the Atlantic Retina Consultants team can help you manage your condition to prevent further vision loss. Your specialist might recommend low-vision devices, vitamin and mineral supplements, dietary changes, healthy lifestyle adjustments, rehabilitation programs, or surgery.

Treating wet macular degeneration involves medication injections or sometimes laser therapy. Your provider personalizes a plan that matches your needs.

Schedule a macular degeneration evaluation at Atlantic Retina Consultants by phone or request one online today.