February is the month of love and all the mooshy stuff, but it’s also the month we shine a spotlight on a condition that is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States—Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
At Center For Sight, it is always our goal to help you live a 20/Happy life with the vision you deserve. So, in honor of February, we want to show you some love by sharing everything you need to know about this sight-stealing condition.
All About Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the deterioration of the eye’s macula and is a disease associated with aging. AMD is also one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. It affects your central vision and has a negative impact on everyday activities, such as driving, reading and recognizing faces. Millions of people are diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration each year; a visit with one of our ophthalmologists is the right place to start if you are concerned about this condition.
Types of Macular Degeneration
There are two types of AMD: dry (by far, the most common type) and wet. Treatment for dry AMD begins with routine eye exams with your eye doctor, especially after age 60, with the goal of early detection. If detected, our experienced eye doctors may prescribe a mix of zinc and antioxidants to help in slowing the progression of the disease.
Treatment for the much less common wet AMD can include a number of options, including intravitreal injections that inhibit the growth of the abnormal blood cells that cause wet AMD.
Macular degeneration is irreversible, so patients who are at risk for age-related eye disorders need to be diligent about their eye care. If you are at risk for AMD, please contact us today. By identifying the early signs of macular degeneration, we can help prevent and treat this disease.
Who is at Risk for Developing AMD?
Risk factors for developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration include:
- Being over age 50
- Smoking
- Caucasian, lighter eyes
- Having a family history of AMD
- Obesity and high blood pressure
What Are The Symptoms Of AMD?
Slightly blurred vision is the only symptom that patients will notice before dramatic vision loss. If you notice any changes in your vision, including the inability to see dim light, seeing spots, partial vision loss or generally blurred vision, you need to contact an ophthalmologist immediately.
Macular degeneration is irreversible, so patients who are at risk for age-related eye disorders need to be diligent about their eye care. If you are at risk for AMD, please contact a board-certified ophthalmologist like those at Center For Sight to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
The Center For Sight Difference
At Center for Sight, our shared goal is to be the best, most trusted eye care provider in the Las Vegas area. With experienced and awarded ophthalmologists, skilled optometrists and a highly trained clinical team, we provide the latest state-of-the-art diagnostic tests, treatments and procedures, customized to your needs, lifestyle and vision goals.
Schedule an appointment with your Center For Sight team to learn more about how to protect and preserve your vision today and in the future.
