Jacksonville, FL
Age-related Macular Degeneration
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Jacksonville, FL
Age-related Macular Degeneration
The risk of developing age-related macular degeneration increases as you get older. Our eye doctor Dr. Monica Brown can detect this condition in its early stages, often before you notice any symptoms. Although there’s no cure, catching and treating age-related macular degeneration early can greatly lower the risk of vision loss.
What is age-related macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that affects the central part of the retina, or the macula. The macula allows us to see fine details and perform tasks that require central vision like reading. If left untreated, AMD can lead to vision loss and blindness in severe cases. In fact, it is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over 50.
What are the signs of age-related macular degeneration?
AMD develops gradually and may not have noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, you may start to notice symptoms like blurred vision, faded colors, straight lines appearing wavy, and trouble seeing in dim light.
Types of age-related macular degeneration
Dry AMD
Dry AMD is the most common form, accounting for around 85-90% of cases. It occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula break down over time, causing a gradual loss of central vision.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD is more severe though it’s also more responsive to treatment. It happens when unusual blood vessels begin to develop beneath the macula. These vessels can cause fluid and blood to leak into the retina, resulting in rapid and severe vision loss.
Treatment for age-related macular degeneration
Currently, there is no treatment for dry AMD, but nutritional supplements may help slow down the disease’s progression. They can also help lower your risk of developing late-stage or wet AMD.
If you have wet AMD, symptoms usually appear suddenly and worsen quickly. Fortunately, you can prevent vision loss with treatments like photodynamic therapy, laser surgery, and anti-VEGF injections. Our eye doctor will evaluate your vision and eye health and suggest the most appropriate treatment.
Schedule an eye exam for macular degeneration in Jacksonville
Regular eye exams are crucial for people of all ages, especially if you’re at high risk of developing AMD. If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, schedule an appointment at our office in Jacksonville. Our eye doctor can check your eyes for signs of age-related macular degeneration and recommend the best course of action.