Macular Degeneration Q & A

What is macular degeneration?

Most often related to aging and usually described as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), this relatively common eye disease causes a progressive loss of central vision. It’s due to changes in the macula, which is a small portion of the retina that’s located on the inner back layer of your eye.

As you age, the macula thins and loses its ability to provide detailed central vision. As the condition worsens, you may also experience abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid buildup in the eye, which is known as “wet” AMD.

What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?

AMD progresses over time and the initial symptoms can be very subtle. You may notice:

• Gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
• That straight lines look wavy, crooked, or bent
• Decreased clarity of color vision
• A blurred, dark, or empty area in the center of your vision

As it progresses, AMD destroys your central vision, which can make it impossible to read, drive, watch television, or see the faces of loved ones. Imagine looking at a clock where only the numbers along the outer border are visible.

How do you treat macular degeneration?

There is no cure for AMD, but Dr. Lazar can provide treatment that can significantly slow its progression. As is the case with most medical disorders, early diagnosis and treatment typically offer the best results.

One of the best things you can do for your overall eye health is to have routine comprehensive eye exams which include an evaluation of your retina. This is especially true with AMD because Dr. Lazar can spot concerning changes to your macula long before you notice symptoms.

Otherwise, depending on the severity of AMD, treatment may include:

• Nutritional changes known to benefit eye health, such as adding leafy green vegetables to your diet and decreasing saturated fats
• Carefully balanced nutritional supplements that include lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc
• Laser treatments to seal leaking blood vessels associated with wet AMD
• Injections into the back of the eye to slow the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels

For a comprehensive eye exam that includes an evaluation of your retinal health, schedule a visit with Dr. Lazar today. Call the office or book your appointment online.