Macular Degeneration
What Is Macular Degeneration?
The macula is the center of the retina. When the macula starts to deteriorate, the eye's central vision worsens. Macular degeneration can make it difficult for patients to see and process information in their central field of vision.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
- Central vision loss
- Straight lines appearing crooked
- Needing more light to read
- Changes in color perception
- Changes in vision quality
- Trouble adapting to low light levels
This Is What You See With Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration Risk Factors
Advanced Age
Patients age 55 and older have a greater chance of developing age-related macular degeneration. The older someone is, the greater the chance they have AMD.
Race
Researchers have found that white Americans have a greater likelihood of developing AMD. 2.5% of white adults over 50 develop AMD, compared to 0.9% each of blacks, Hispanics, and Americans of other races.
Family History
As with many medical conditions, a family history of the disease can increase your chances of developing age-related macular degeneration.
History of Smoking
According to the Macular Society, smokers are up to four times more likely to have AMD than nonsmokers. Also, smokers have an increased risk of developing AMD 10 years earlier than nonsmokers.
Obesity
A high BMI can increase your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, but improving your health can slow down progression of this eye disease.
Heart Disease
Patients who have suffered a heart attack or stroke have a greater chance of developing age-related macular degeneration.
Diabetic Patients
Patients with either type I or type II diabetes are at a greater risk of developing macular degeneration.
Are You At Risk? Request a Consultation
If you have any of the risk factors listed above, regular eye exams are crucial to spotting age-related macular degeneration and slowing the progression of the disease.
Patients throughout Ohio come to our offices in Sidney, Bellefontaine, Celina, and Troy to monitor their eye health. We're highly trusted by patients in Sidney and beyond because of our commitment to advanced care. Our eye doctors are highly regarded and have extensive training that they constantly refine through continuing education. Both our ophthalmologist, Christopher T. Johnson, and our optometrist, William E. Schemmel, are board-certified doctors committed to helping you maintain your best possible vision.
Reach out to us at our Sidney office or one of our other locations in Ohio for an eye exam.
Call to request a consultation:
(937) 492-8040
Hear From a Sidney, OH, Patient
"Dr. Johnson has revolutionized this practice, with his new technology and thorough exams, eye care has never felt this safe and accommodating. If you or anyone you know needs cataract surgery i would tell anyone and everyone to go here. Completely pleased with staff and doctors. Dr. Schemmel works hand in hand with Dr. Johnson and his calculations and exams are spot on. Highly recommend!!!!" Siera Cornett
Macular Degeneration Treatment
There is no cure for macular degeneration, but you can slow down the progression of the disease with:
Changes to your lifestyle can help slow down the progression of this eye disease. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and taking supplements and anti-VEGF medication recommended by your doctor can all limit the progression of AMD. Also, wearing sunglasses in harsh light can help you care for your eyes.
Early detection of age-related macular deterioration can slow down the progression of this disease and help maintain your eyesight. Regular eye exams can help you stay on top of abnormal eye changes. Our doctors at Ohio Vision in Sidney, OH, can offer treatment advice.
Laser treatments can help with wet AMD, but not dry AMD. Laser photocoagulation is a minimally invasive surgery that can seal leaks from the abnormal blood vessels that develop as part of wet AMD. While this is not a cure for AMD, this surgery can slow the progression of the disease.
Daily Eye Exams A Simple Way to Monitor for AMD
Patients experience gradual vision loss with age-related macular degeneration. This slow-paced vision loss can be hard to notice in its earliest stages. If you're at risk for dry AMD, check your vision daily with the Amsler grid to pinpoint vision changes. Here's how to use this simple yet effective tool:
Take the Amsler grid test once a day, every day, to notice any vision loss.
Patients From Sidney and Beyond Love Our Practice
"Very well performed exam, Dr. Wilding explained the process and plan in terms that were easy to understand."
Teresa Mikesell
