Age-Related Macular Degeneration or AMD, is the deterioration of the center of the retina in the back of the eye. This is the leading cause of visual loss in our elderly population, ages 50 and over. While there is no known cure for the disease, our doctors are trained to diagnose, monitor and treat dry and wet (exudative) age-related macular degeneration with intravitreal injections into the eye of VEGF inhibitors drugs including Avastin®, Eylea®, and Lucentis®. VEGF is an initialism for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor.
AMD causes damage to the macula, a small spot near the center of the retina and the part of the eye needed for sharp, central vision, which lets us see objects that are straight ahead.
Dry AMD is slowly progressive and may cause mild to moderate blurring and vision loss. Wet AMD results from the growth of abnormal blood vessels underneath the macula. This may cause rapid loss of vision. Early intervention can usually prevent severe vision loss. Although both dry and wet age-related macular degeneration cause blurred vision, the symptoms of distortion are more common with wet AMD. The symptoms to look for are:
In order to definitively diagnose AMD, any or all of the following are necessary:
Unfortunately, many patients are not diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration until later stages of the eye disorder, when treatment is not as effective. Early detection is key, allowing for quicker and more effective treatment of the eye disease.
Request an appointment with the board-certified ophthalmologists at Traverse City Eye for the best in age-related macular degeneration treatment and care options. Learn more about our ophthalmology services now.