What is age related macular degeneration
Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the area of the retina known as the macula. AMD causes vision loss to the central part of your vision, leaving your peripheral vision clear. There are two types of AMD, dry and wet. Dry AMD is by far the most common type of AMD. With dry AMD small clumps of protein called drusen develop in the macula region and you begin to lose your central vision slowly. The wet form of AMD is much less common, and much more severe. In the wet form of AMD unstable blood vessels grow under the macula and begin to leak fluid which leads to drastic changes to vision.
Who is at risk for developing macular degernation
Patients who are over the age of 50 with a family history of macular degeneration are at a higher risk for developing the disease. Those
individuals who eat a diet high in saturated fats, are overweight and who smoke may also be at a higher risk for developing macular degeneration.
What is the treatment for age related macular degeneration
Currently there is no treatment for dry AMD, however, certain eye vitamins may help to provide nourishment to the macula slowing the progression of the disease. Eating a diet high in green leafy vegetables, exercising and being seen regularly for eye health exams with special testing are good practices to monitor any changes to the macula and catch early changes that may be treatable. Treatment for wet AMD involves a visit with a retinal surgeon and injections of a medication to stop the unstable blood vessel growth with close monitoring for any changes.
If you have any concerns regarding your eye health and macular degeneration, give us a call at 918-901-9431 to schedule an appointment
today!
Laser treatment at our Jenks OK Optometry Clinic
There are certain patients who may benefit from various laser treatments that we are able to provide here at Insight Eyecare Jenks. These laser procedures are quick and performed in the office. There are no post-op restrictions following the laser, and very little risk involved with the laser procedures.
Laser treatment following cataract surgery
Following cataract surgery around 50% of patients develop a cloudy layer of scar tissue on the back of their lens implant. This results in blurry vision and increased glare and halo at night. This scar tissue can easily be removed with a laser treatment called a yag capsulotomy. The laser treatment is done in the office in less than 5 minutes. There are are no restrictions following the laser, however, you will use a steroid eye drop for one week for any inflammation that becomes present. Once the scar tissue is removed, it will not come back and vision will be clear again.