Macular Degeneration is a general term that describes a series of conditions that affect a specific part of your retina called the macula.
The macula is responsible for your central, or head-on vision. Should this area become diseased or damaged, a person can experience loss of their direct vision. This will directly affect their ability to perform normal activities such as reading or driving. Imagine looking at a piece of art and only seeing the frame.
While Macular Degeneration is a condition that cannot be cured, there are several ways to slow the process and save your vision. But before we discuss treatment, let’s take some time to learn more about the condition.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age related Macular Degeneration is the most common form of macular degeneration, and is an unfortunate side-effect of the aging process. The tissue of the macula is extremely sensitive and subject to deterioration as we age. The gradual deterioration leads to a breakdown of the macula and subsequent loss of central vision. AMD is a common disease among seniors and can be serious if not treated. In fact, AMD is the leading cause of blindness amongst people over the age of 65.
There are two specific types of AMD: Dry AMD and Wet AMD.
Types of AMD
Dry AMD
Dry AMD is the more common form of AMD, accounting for 9 out of 10 cases of the disease. Dry AMD exists when the tissue of the macula begins to deteriorate due to aging. It is a process that progresses over time, causing eventual blurriness looking forward. There is no cure for Dry AMD, but there are several treatments that can dramatically slow down the progression and protect your vision.
Wet AMD
In rare cases, the body will try to grow new blood vessels to supply blood to the damaged tissue of the macula. These vessels are usually weak and thin, and they can leak out blood into the retina. This is called Wet AMD and is a very serious condition that can result in rapid vision loss. It should go without saying that if you experience any rapid vision loss, please contact your doctor immediately. If Wet AMD is detected it is usually treatable with medication.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
Since macular degeneration affects your central vision, all symptoms will have to do with irregularities in the way you see when you look directly at an object.
Common symptoms include:
- Trouble reading
- Objects in your direct line of sight appear blurry, while peripheral objects remain clear
- A black spot or dark circle in the center of your vision
- Straight lines appear wavy
AMD is a slow-progressing disease and it is common for someone to go years without experiencing any symptoms. Fortunately, general eye exams can usually detect early signs of the disease, in which case preventative measures can be taken that will slow down any future vision loss.
The risk for developing AMD increases with age, and it is essential for anyone over the age of 60 to maintain a rigorous eye exam schedule to ensure early detection and prevention of vision loss.
Macular Degeneration Treatment
There have been great advancements in the treatment of AMD, and new treatments are always being developed. Although the condition is incurable, if detected early treatment is easy and effective.
Treatment for Dry AMD
Interestingly enough, the most effective treatment for Dry AMD is an all-natural supplement of vitamins and nutrients. Studies have shown that consuming high levels of beta-carotene, Vitamins C and E, and zinc oxide can reduce progression by more than 25%.
Besides vitamins, the next best treatment is to simply use special visual aids such as lights and glasses designed for AMD and sunglasses that deflect harmful UV rays that can speed up vision loss.
Treatment for Wet AMD
At Victoria Eye Center, we do offer an injection treatment option for Wet AMD to help patients regain their vision:
EYLEA®
EYLEA® is a prescription medication that is injected into the eye to help control leakage of blood vessels into the layers of the retina. Studies show improvement in vision after EYLEA injections.
EYLEA®: Treatment for Wet AMD
EYLEA® is a prescription medication used to treat Wet AMD. When you have Wet AMD, you have high levels of the protein VEGF that can cause abnormal blood vessels to grow under the macula. When these blood vessels leak fluid or blood, damage can occur to the macula.
EYLEA injections block VEGF in the eye. Typically Wet AMD patients will require injections:
- Every 4 weeks for the first 3 months
- Every 8 weeks for the following 2 months
Our physicians will assess the progression of your Wet AMD to determine the right EYLEA dosing schedule for you.
Results of Clinical Studies
According to EYLEA clinical studies, people treated with EYLEA in 2 clinical studies could, on average, see more than 7 letters on the eye chart. And 1 year after the injections, 9 out of 10 maintained their vision.
Possible Side Effects with EYLEA
- Eye infection
- Eye redness
- Eye pain
- Spots in visual field
- Eye pressure increase
- Cataracts
- Retinal detachment
- Vitreous detachment
- Blood clots leading to heart attack or stroke
To learn more about EYLEA, please contact us today.
Low Vision
Low Vision is the term used to describe vision impairment or partial sight. Typically, low vision is not fully correctable with surgery or medications, so visual devices are used to maximize sight.
Low vision can range from moderate visual impairment, such as tunnel vision or blind spots, to “legal blindness,” to almost total blindness. The causes are numerous, including eye injury, diseases such as Macular Degeneration and heredity.
The range of problems may include the inability to focus, distinguish colors, see contrasts, or spatial relationships. Low vision patients typically do not drive, can’t enjoy television and computers, and can’t complete basic tasks like bill-paying. Understandably, they don’t feel safe with day-to-day living. This leads low vision patients to feel shut off from their community, while becoming very dependent on family and friends.
Dr. Caia Homerstad, our low vision specialist, strives to keep her patients independent and as active as possible. She uses tools like magnifiers and telescopes along with emotional support for patients and their families. Dr. Homerstad works to connect patients with the resources and devices necessary to support the low vision lifestyle. She encourages independence and self-confidence for the best possible quality of life.
Routine eye exams are an important part to your overall health. Schedule your exam today!