Macular Degeneration

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration occurs in the macula, the central part of your retina. This area helps you see fine details clearly. When it suffers damage, your central vision becomes blurry or distorted, making it harder to read, drive, or recognize faces.

Macular degeneration usually affects people over 50 and is one of the most common causes of vision loss in older adults.

What are the types of macular degeneration?

There are two main types of macular degeneration: dry and wet.

Dry macular degeneration, the most common kind, tends to progress slowly. It happens when the macula thins over time.

Wet macular degeneration, while less common, is more serious. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, leading to faster vision loss.

Aging is a significant risk factor for macular degeneration, but the following can also increase your likelihood of developing the condition:

• Genetics
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Poor diet

Protecting your eyes and managing your health can help lower your chances of experiencing macular degeneration.

What early signs might indicate macular degeneration?

When macular degeneration starts to develop, you might notice blurred vision, straight lines appearing wavy, or a dark spot in the center of your vision. Some people may not notice symptoms until the disease has progressed.

These changes can start subtly, so regular eye exams are essential, especially as you age. At Holmdel Eye Center, Dr. Abdelhady performs a thorough eye exam using tools like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and a dilated eye exam to look at the back of the eye.

Sometimes, he uses a special dye test called fluorescein angiography to detect leaking blood vessels in wet macular degeneration.

Is there a cure for macular degeneration?

While there’s no cure for macular degeneration, Dr. Abdelhady provides treatments that can help. For dry macular degeneration, certain vitamin supplements may slow its progression. For the wet form, injections of special medications into the eye can stop or slow vision loss.

You can help prevent macular degeneration by eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in leafy greens and fish. Quit smoking if you smoke and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.

Most importantly, schedule regular eye exams with Dr. Abdelhady to catch any changes early. Prompt detection gives you a much better chance of protecting your sight.

Call Holmdel Eye Center to schedule a macular degeneration evaluation or book an appointment online today.