What Is Macular Degeneration?

Aging affects your body in many ways, including your vision. The leading cause of vision loss in people over 60, is a condition known as macular degeneration. Your risk increases to 1 in 3 people if you are age 75, or older, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation. This devastating condition requires the treatment of a Colorado Springs ophthalmologist to diagnose and treat. The ophthalmologists at Vision Institute provide a wide range of eye care services, including diagnosis and treatment of macular degeneration.

Diagnosing, Treating, and Preventing

Macular degeneration is also known as age-related macular degeneration or AMD. The condition causes you to lose your central vision. There are two types of macular degeneration:

• Dry macular degeneration, which accounts for 85-90% of cases. Dry AMD results from age-related thinning of the macula.
• Wet macular degeneration, which accounts for 10-15% of cases. Wet AMD results from abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina.

Your risk of developing AMD increases if you:

• Eat a high saturated fat diet
• Are overweight or obese
• Smoke
• Are over 50 years old
• Have high blood pressure
• Have a family history of AMD

AMD can be diagnosed during an eye exam. You may be asked to look at a grid, noting any areas of blurred or distorted vision or blank spots. Your ophthalmologist will also look at the retina and macula of your eyes through a special lens. Your ophthalmologist may also recommend imaging known as optical coherence tomography, or OCT, to scan the retina and macula.

For dry AMD, your Colorado Springs, CO, ophthalmologist may recommend medication to potentially slow vision loss. The American Academy of Ophthalmology also recommends additional supplements to promote eye health, including:

• Vitamin C (500 mg)
• Vitamin E (400 IU)
• Lutein (10 mg)
• Zeaxanthin (2 mg)
• Zinc (80 mg)
• Copper (2 mg)

For wet AMD, your ophthalmologist may recommend medications to reduce the number of abnormal blood vessels, and slow blood vessel leakage. Laser surgery may also be recommended to reduce abnormal blood vessels and slow leakage.

Learn More About Macular Degeneration from Our Ophthalmology Team

To discover more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of macular degeneration, call a Colorado Springs, CO, ophthalmologist at Vision Institute. Call (719) 559-2020 today to schedule an appointment with our skilled and caring team!