Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that is one of the leading causes of vision loss for people over 60. There have been close to 11 million people diagnosed with AMD. It can cause severe problems with vision. That’s why our team at Chapel Hill Ophthalmology is here to help you better understand macular degeneration.
What Are the Types of AMD?
There are two different types of macular degeneration: wet and dry. Dry macular degeneration is the most common of the two types. Yellow deposits called drusen form in the macula of the eye. When there are few deposits, it may not impact your vision. However, if those deposits become large or multiply, they can negatively affect your vision.
Wet macular degeneration is when abnormal blood vessels grow below the macula. The blood vessels begin to leak fluid and blood into the retina. This causes major vision problems, including loss of central vision and blind spots. This can also cause permanent vision loss.
What Are the Causes of AMD?
The macula is an area in the center of the retina, which is oval-shaped. The macula is what gives you the most precise vision. Macular degeneration may be caused by genetics or environmental factors. Factors like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, light eye color, and eating a poor diet may increase your risk of AMD.
What Are the Symptoms of AMD?
The symptoms of AMD include blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and distorted vision. You may find that it is difficult to read fine-print or drive. AMD may distort colors and cause them to seem as though they are fading. You may even start to have difficulty recognizing faces.
What Is the Treatment for AMD?
There is treatment available for AMD, but there is no cure. Treatment will slow down the disease but will not stop it. Our optometrist performs an exam to determine if you have AMD. Our doctor provides a visual acuity test, eye dilation, and other exams. Once a diagnosis has been made, medications, nutrition therapy, and light therapy may be used to help treat your AMD.
Why Choose Chapel Hill Ophthalmology?
Our team at Chapel Hill Ophthalmology is dedicated to providing our patients with quality eye care and treatment. We are committed to helping patients preserve and improve their eye and vision health. Contact us today to find out how our team can help you and your family with our eye care. Schedule an appointment at our Chapel Hill location to help you improve your vision.