Age-Related Macular Degeneration

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye disease that can cause blurred vision or complete central vision loss. The macula is a portion of the retina that is responsible for detailed vision and central vision.

Macular degeneration has two forms, dry macular degeneration (dry AMD), and the more advanced wet macular degeneration (wet AMD). Most cases start as the dry type and in 10-20% of people, it progresses to wet. There is currently no cure for macular degeneration, but it can be possible to slow the progression of the disease and prevent severe vision loss. You can discuss with our doctors the best way to manage the disease. Symptoms are painless and usually begin gradually. They can include:

• Distorted vision, especially warping when looking at straight lines or objects.
• Increased difficulty in reading.
• Blurred central vision.
• Reduced or complete loss of central vision in one or both eyes.
• Decreased intensity or brightness of colors.
• Difficulty recognizing faces.

Who is at Risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Patients who are 60 or older are most likely to develop AMD. However, other risk factors can play a role. Smokers are twice as likely to develop AMD. Genetic and environmental factors also play a key role, as patients with a family history of AMD are more likely to develop the disease. Also, Caucasians are more likely to develop the disease than any other race.

Although there is no cure for AMD, you can alter your lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing the disease. This includes:

• Avoid smoking.
• Exercise on a regular basis.
• Maintain good blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Include leafy green vegetables and fish with omega-3 into your diet.
• Take supplements with antioxidants and zinc, which may lower the odds of getting AMD.
• Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block out ultraviolet (UV) rays.

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Treatment Options for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

While there is no cure for macular degeneration, treatment can help to slow down the progression. Options may include:

• Anti-angiogenesis Drugs: These medications stop the creation of blood vessels as well as the leakage of blood vessels in the eye that contribute to macular degeneration.
• Laser Surgery: These treatments involve the use of high-energy laser light to destroy abnormal blood vessels growing inside of the eye.
• Photodynamic Laser Therapy: During this treatment, a light-sensitive medication will be injected into the bloodstream, which is absorbed by abnormal blood vessels. A laser is then shined into the eye to trigger the light-sensitive medication, damaging those blood vessels.
• Low Vision Aids: These devices have special lenses or electronic systems that can enlarge images of objects that are nearby.
• Vitamins: Studies show that some individuals who take supplements including lutein vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, copper, and zinc lower their risk for vision loss.

Contact Us Today

If you are interested in learning more regarding age-related macular degeneration, contact Kung Eye today! Our friendly and helpful team will be happy to assist you in scheduling your eye appointment with one of our skilled eye care professionals.

Request an Appointment

Please call our New York office at (929) 429-2928 or our New Jersey office at (732) 724-2535 with any questions you may have.

STATEN ISLAND, NY EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ

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