Wondering what exactly is Macular Degeneration?
What is Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an issue with your retina. When you have AMD, you lose your central vision. It is caused when the macula, a part of your retina, is damaged. While you will be unable to see fine details, whether you are looking at something close or far, your peripheral (side) vision will be normal. There are two types of macular degeneration: Dry AMD and Wet AMD.
What is the Macula?
Your macula is an oval-shaped area near the center of your retina. Your macula allows you to have central, defined, colored vision when you’re in good light.
What is Dry AMD (Age-related macular degeneration)?
Dry AMD is when parts of the macula get thinner with age and tiny clumps of protein grow, causing you to slowly lose your central vision.
Here is an educational video on Dry AMD: https://youtu.be/uGFNcCjAkug
What is Wet AMD (Age-related macular degeneration)?
Wet AMD is when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. The macula can scar due to these vessels leaking blood and other fluids. Your loss of vision is more rapid with West AMD than with Dry AMD. Often, many people do not realize that they have AMD until their vision is compromised. It is important to have regular checkups by your ophthalmologist, because they can look for early signs of AMD before your vision is affected.
Here is an educational video on West AMD: https://youtu.be/Y2R9_jo2jUs
What are the treatments for Wet AMD (Age-related macular degeneration)?
Wet AMD can be treated with injections of specialized medication. This will help to slow the progression of the macular degeneration and in some cases improve your vision. If left untreated, wet macular degeneration may cause you to lose much of your central vision. It is important that you are entrusting a retina specialist to manage this condition.
What is a Retina Specialist?
A retina specialist has extensive and specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment, including surgical treatment of your retina, vitreous and macula–the part of the eye affected by macular degeneration.
Our Retina Specialists
Our retina specialists here at Oregon Eye Consultants, Dr. John Karth, MD and Dr. Robert Beardsley, MD, are leaders in retinal care, and see patients not only in our Eugene Eye Clinic, but also at our Springfield, Roseburg, Florence, North Bend, and Newport locations.
Have you been referred to a retina specialist or need to see one?
Call our office today for an appointment with any of our retina specialists at 541-687-1927