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Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment Traverse City Eye Doctors Can Help

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.

More About Age-Related Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

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:

  • Visual distortions, such as straight lines seeming bent
  • Reduced central vision in one or both eyes
  • Decreased intensity or brightness of colors
  • A well-defined blurry spot or blind spot in your field of vision
  • A general haziness in your overall vision
  • Abrupt onset and rapid worsening of symptoms

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Diagnosis

In order to definitively diagnose AMD, any or all of the following are necessary:

  • Visual acuity test
  • Physical examination of the back of the eye after dilation
  • Amsler grid test for central vision
  • Fluorescein angiogram, in which dye highlights the blood vessels
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

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.