Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of vision decline and vision loss in America. Macular degeneration cannot be cured, however, early diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle changes can ease symptoms and prevent further vision loss or deterioration. At Discover Vision in Kansas City, MO, we have a team of specialists that are highly-trained in identifying and treating Macular Degeneration. With 9 locations in the greater Kansas and Missouri area, Discover Vision has a convenient location near you.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an irreversible vision-threatening disease that causes loss of sight in your central field of vision. Affected cells in the macula eventually break down and lose the ability to function. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in those aged 60+. Although there is no cure, with early identification and treatment, vision can be preserved and the risk for blindness can be greatly reduced.
There are two types of macular degeneration, Dry Macular Degeneration and Wet Macular Degeneration.
Dry macular degeneration is the more common form of AMD, accounting for about 80% of cases in those with macular degeneration. Caused by breakdown of cells in the macula, dry macular degeneration is usually diagnosed by the presence of small yellow masses of protein called drusen. Drusen don’t result in immediate vision loss, but as they multiply and become larger, risk of distorted vision becomes greater.
Wet macular degeneration is less common and more severe, affecting 10-15% of AMD patients. Wet macular degeneration occurs when drusen are left untreated and cause the formation of abnormal blood vessels that leak blood and proteins into the retina. This causes rapid, severe loss of vision, and if the blood vessels are left to scar, the vision loss can become permanent.
Early symptoms of macular degeneration are usually not apparent, as the disease progresses they symptoms include:
Symptoms can be different in each eye, one may have worse symptoms or none at all.
There are multiple options of treatment for macular degeneration, the treatment may vary depending on which type of macular degeneration you are suffering from. Though there are no formal treatment options for dry macular degeneration, your doctor may suggest certain supplements or lifestyle changes such as changing your diet, regular exercise, and protecting your vision from ultraviolet rays by wearing sunglasses.
There are a few formal treatments for wet macular degeneration including:
Through a comprehensive diabetic eye exam, a Discover Vision specialist will help you find which treatment is best for you based on what type of AMD you have.
If you are experiencing symptoms of macular degeneration schedule a consultation today at Discover Vision centers through our online form or call 816-542-6177.
Specialists are not positive of the exact cause of macular degeneration, but age, genetics, high blood pressure, hypertension, obesity, and lifestyle choices such as smoking or eating unhealthily can contribute. The best way to reduce chances of developing macular degeneration is to live a healthy lifestyle and schedule regular eye exams.
To diagnose macular degeneration an ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye examination. After asking about your family and medical history your opthamologist will dialate your eyes with special drops to better see the back of your eye to look for signs of drusen.
Tests for macular degeneration include:
Modern refractive cataract surgery requires the state-of-the-art technology of intraocular lens implants and in some cases laser vision correction following cataract surgery to optimize the end visual result.
This test takes intricate cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing your ophthalmologist to look for signs of thinning or thickening of the retina. This test can detect macular degeneration before symptoms are present.
During this test, a colored dye is injected into a vein in the arm and photographs are taken as the dye moves through the bloodstream to the blood vessels in the eye. This can make it easier to detect any abnormal blood vessels or other changes.
This is a monitoring devise that works to detect AMD changes early on.
This test takes intricate cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing your ophthalmologist to look for signs of thinning or thickening of the retina. This test can detect macular degeneration before symptoms are present.
This test provides an MPOD score (the ratio of central blue light absorption rate to peripheral absorption rate). Depending on density levels of pigment, your ophthalmologist can recommend different supplements proven to protect central vision and increase your MPOD score.
At Discover Vision, we believe in developing a partnership between you, your primary care physician, and our doctors. Our specialists work to provide the right care catered to your needs and are involved in research involving innovative solutions and technologies. Our focus at Discover Vision is the health of your eyes and quality of your life.
Dr. Doug Dehning is a board-certified ophthalmologist whose specialties include retina/vitreous, diabetic eye care, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, no-stitch cataracts and glaucoma. He often participates in clinical investigations for the latest treatments in glaucoma and other conditions.
Dr. Javed Sayed is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in Retina Surgery, Vitreoretinal Diseases, Diabetic Eye Disease, Macular Degeneration, Uveitis, and Ocular Trauma. Dr. Sayed is accepting new patients at our Northland, Leawood, Legends and Olathe locations.
Dr. Ajay Singh is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in Retina Surgery, Vitreoretinal Diseases, Diabetic Eye Disease, Macular Degeneration, Uveitis, Complicated Cataracts and Ocular Trauma at Discover Vision’s Leawood, KS and Independence, MO offices.
Our specialists at Discover Vision centers are devoted to providing innovative, cutting edge treatment personalized to you. To learn more about receiving Diabetic Eye Care from a Discover Vision retina specialist, call 816.307.1084 or click here to schedule an appointment online.
GET CONSULTATIONThose with higher risk of developing macular degeneration are:
– Those over the age of 60
– Those engaging in unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking
– Those suffering from obesity
– Macular degeneration is most common in white people
– Those sufferin from cardiovascular disease
– Those with a family history of macular degeneration
– Those experiencing high blood pressure
The AREDS formula is a vitamin/mineral supplement consisting of 400 IU of vitamin E, 15 mg of beta-carotene, 80 mg zinc as zinc oxide, and 2 mg copper as cupric oxide. These levels of nutrients are recommended by the National Eye Institute to stall progression of Age-related Macular Degeneration.
To prevent macular degeneration you should work to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Don’t smoke, eat healthy, and integrate regular excercise into your schedule.
Macular degeneration has a hereditary component, it is common for macular degeneration to run in families and is most common in white people.
