Are you or a family member looking for treatment for macular degeneration? The eye doctor team at Martin Optical Eyecare in Arlington Heights is here to help. Below is more information about macular degeneration.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Age related macular degeneration is also called AMD. This condition is the breakdown of the macula, which is part of your eye's retina. The retina is located in the back part of your eye and transforms the light you see into signals that go to your brain.
There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Most patients have the dry type. In dry AMD, drusen, small yellow or white lipid deposits, cause damage to your retina. The decline in vision caused by dry AMD is gradual.
The more serious wet AMD, is characterized by atypical faulty blood vessels that destroy the retina and macula. Wet AMD is the more advanced form of the disease, and only those who previously had dry AMD can develop it.
Causes of Macular Degeneration
The most common cause of macular degeneration is age. Family history, lifestyle choices, being female, and being around ultraviolet light are all factors as well. If a child, parent, brother, or sister have AMD, you are more likely to develop the disease as you get older. Smokers are twice as likely to develop macular degeneration.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
There are several symptoms of macular degeneration. These symptoms include not seeing color and other details, blurry vision, loss of center vision, and visual hallucinations. It will also become more difficult to drive, read, or see people's faces. Distances will become more difficult to measure with your eye, going up and down steps will be more challenging, and will you need brighter light to see well.
How an Eye Doctor Can Help
There are several treatments available to improve symptoms of macular degeneration. Certain medications, therapies, laser surgery, lifestyle choices, and foods you eat can all help improve your vision. Please contact us if you have any questions about this eye disease.
Arlington Heights Eye Doctor
You can make an appointment by visiting us at Martin Optical Eyecare, 1046 S Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005 3140. We are located on Arlington Hts Rd, 1 1/2 blocks south of Central Rd. You can also make an appointment over the phone by calling us at 847-290-1131.