The macula is the portion of the retina that is responsible for our central vision. Macular degeneration is a slow breakdown of the macula that causes a painless loss of vision. It will often cause blurry, spotty or distorted vision. According to the American Optometric Association, it is the leading cause of blindness in America.
Macular degeneration occurs mostly in older patients. Most (about 90%) have the dry form of the disease. No highly effective treatment is known but certain vitamins and minerals have been shown to slow its progression. Wet macular degeneration generally causes more vision loss but there are some treatments that may help. Lasers and injections have been shown to slow vision loss and, in some cases, improve the vision of patients with wet macular degeneration.
The doctors at Advanced Eye Care Associates can determine if visual changes are due to macular degeneration and recommend an appropriate course of action. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of macular degeneration should be examined quickly because delaying treatment can lead to further vision loss. We see emergency appointments immediately so that anyone who suspects they have an eye problem, like macular degeneration, can be evaluated right away.