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Do you have, or suspect you have macular degeneration? Are you dealing with serious vision loss that you can’t explain? Do you want an answer as soon as possible? Spectrum Eye Physicians are here for you.

How Can Spectrum Eye Physicians Help with Macular Degeneration?

Ophthalmologists are specialists in the treatment of eye disease. If you have been having trouble with your vision, either a gradual decline or a sudden loss, it’s important you work with an ophthalmologist. You can seek a referral from your eye doctor or you can simply give your San Jose ophthalmologist a call today.

What is AMD, or Macular Degeneration?

Age-Related Macular Degeneration, also called AMD or ARMD, is a breakdown of the macula. This is the small, central part of the retina, which controls the sharpness of your vision – called visual acuity. The macula enables us to do fine-tuned seeing, such as reading, using a computer, recognizing faces and so on. It is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States.

Many causes of AMD are theorized, including genetics, high blood pressure and oxygen deprivation in the eye. Eating a healthy diet, not smoking, maintaining normal blood pressure and healthy weight, and exercising regularly can all help prevent it.

Wet Versus Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry AMD results from the thinning of the macula and a buildup of pigments on it, or both. It is the most common form and leads to slow vision loss. Wet AMD is more serious, and relates to the development of new blood vessels in the area, which then burst and causes more sudden vision loss. The dry form usually becomes wet form over time, so both types can lead to blindness.

Treatment of AMD

There are no known cures for AMD, but nutritional changes and frequent vision monitoring and prescription of low-vision devices can help reduce the impact of AMD on your life.

Macular Degeneration FAQs

Macular degeneration can greatly impact a person’s life if not treated right away. The doctors of Spectrum Eye Physicians in Central California are here to help. Below are some frequently asked questions about macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is when the macula deteriorates due to age. The macula is in the retina of your eye. This condition is also named age-related macular degeneration since it affects people as they age. Most people lose vision with macular degeneration as they get older.

There is no definite cause of macular degeneration, although people over 60 are diagnosed with the condition the most. Other possible causes include a family history of macular degeneration, being a woman, being Caucasian, being around ultraviolet light, and unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking.

There are two main types of AMD are wet and dry. Wet AMD occurs when blood vessels that do not develop correctly change the shape of the retina and damages your retina. 90% of vision loss from AMD is caused by the wet kind, although it’s not as common as dry AMD.

Dry AMD is when a substance called drusen breaks down your retina. Drusen are small yellow or white fatty deposits that grow on the retina. Dry AMD is a slow progression of macular degeneration.

There are several symptoms of macular degeneration. These include having a hard time seeing details and color. As the disease progresses, you eventually lose your center vision. Patients point out that driving, reading, and seeing people’s faces becomes harder to do. 

If you have any of the above symptoms, contact us to make an appointment so that we can diagnose and treat your age-related macular degeneration. We will perform an overall wellness exam to treat your macular degeneration correctly. This exam will include putting eye drops in your eye to dilate your pupils. We will then check your eye for drusens and other signs of AMD. Getting your yearly eye exam can help us catch and treat AMD early. 

Vitamins and antioxidants can help slow down the dry type of AMD. An anti-VEGF therapy shot or laser surgery may be recommended if you have the wet type of AMD. The anti-VEGF therapy shot can reduce the growth of blood vessels in your eye that causes AMD. 

Contact Spectrum Eye Physicians Today!

Schedule your appointment online or call us at 408-884-2215. No matter which of our locations you visit, you will receive the latest in eye care technology from friendly eye doctors and staff committed to serving you.

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