Macular Degeneration FAQs

Macular degeneration, sometimes also called age-related macular degeneration or AMD, is a serious condition marked by loss of central vision. There are two types of macular degeneration, and working with an optometrist can help you get the treatment you need for either kind. If you're in the Clinton, CT area, Clinton Eye Associates is here to help. 

macular degen

What is Macular Degeneration?

In macular degeneration, the macula in the back of the eye's retina begins to deteriorate. It thins and breaks down, which stops light from focusing on it correctly. Since this is the area of the eye that creates the central part of your vision, you may find that you can't read or see faces as well as you used to. Straight lines may also appear wavy, and you could have dark spots in your vision.

Is Age the Biggest Factor?

Age is the biggest factor for AMD, which is the "dry" kind of macular degeneration and the type that is the most common. There is also a "wet" kind of this condition, and it's not related to age. It also comes on much faster than AMD and can frequently be treated with injectable medications that can stop vision loss and may reverse some of the damage.

Is AMD Preventable?

Age-related macular degeneration isn't fully preventable. You can reduce your risk by eating healthy, exercising, and not smoking, but none of those behaviors guarantee whether you will end up with AMD or not. There may also be a genetic component, so it's important for anyone with a family history to see their optometrist regularly, especially as they age.

How Can You Treat Macular Degeneration?

For the dry kind of macular degeneration, there are vitamins that may help slow disease progression. However, there's no formal treatment for AMD. Once it begins, it's not possible to recover any lost vision. The goal is to slow it down, and to provide help for anyone experiencing it through the use of magnifiers and other enhancements. Most people with this condition don't experience full blindness, but may have only their peripheral vision left.

Good Optometry Support is Important

If you're in the Clinton, CT area and in need of optometry support for macular degeneration, Clinton Eye Associates can help. Contact us today, and let us answer your questions and examine your eyes, so we can talk about the options you have for slowing the progression of AMD. We can help you make the most of the vision you have, and make adjustments for a future with AMD.

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Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

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Sunday:

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