Regular Eye Exams Protect Your Eyesight

Eye disease comes in many forms, and they often progress with no symptoms, affecting your vision before you realize there is a problem. Regular eye exams are important tools in protecting your eyes from the damaging effects of eye disease. With early detection, many eye diseases can be successfully controlled. 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is no different. It can progress painlessly, without warning and seriously damage your vision. AMD is quite common. It’s a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50.

At Advanced Eye Physician, we not only include several tests for eye diseases in every comprehensive eye exam, but we also provide personalized management and advanced treatment options for various eye diseases.

Protect your eye health by booking your appointment today.

We Watch for Signs of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

As we age, our eyes undergo many changes. One of these changes involves the deterioration of the macula, resulting in an eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD).The macula is the area of the retina responsible for sharp central vision, so when it is damaged, you may find reading, writing, or driving difficult or impossible.

Even while wearing glasses, no matter how close or far away you hold an object, you won’t be able to see it if you are suffering from AMD.

While it often progresses without symptoms, there are some early warning signs of AMD:

  • Straight lines that look wavy or distorted
  • Loss of color vision
  • Dark or empty spot in the center of your vision

Risk & Prevention

Age-related macular degeneration can happen as part of the normal aging process. But, there are some factors which increase your risk of developing the condition:

  • Family history of AMD
  • Smoking
  • Poor diet
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • High cholesterol levels
  • UV light exposure

Based on the above risk factors, smoking cessation, plenty of exercise, and an overall healthy lifestyle can help prevent AMD.

Investing in a good pair of sunglasses to block out UV light can protect your eyes from a range of conditions too, not the least of which is AMD.

Types & Treatments

There are 2 types of AMD:

  • Dry (Atrophic) AMD: Associated with drusen deposits, dry AMD occurs as part of the natural aging process, develops slowly without early symptoms, and generally affects both eyes.
  • Wet (Exudative) AMD: Wet AMD occurs when weak blood vessels break and leak blood or fluid into the retina. This leakage can lead to rapid central vision loss, making wet AMD a medical emergency.

When dry AMD develops, there is no cure and any vision loss can’t be restored. Some researchers believe that altering your diet after a diagnosis can help prevent further vision loss and progression of the condition.

Wet AMD can be treated by intraocular injections that slow the development of abnormal blood vessels in the eyes.