Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 60. It can be a frightening diagnosis, but there are ways to help manage and prevent AMD from worsening. This blog post answers common questions about AMD so that you can better understand the condition and take steps to protect your vision.
What Is AMD?
AMD is a progressive eye disease that damages the macula, the part of your retina responsible for your central vision. It causes blurry or distorted central vision and even total blindness in one or both eyes. AMD usually affects both eyes, but it does not cause complete blindness.
Causes
The exact cause of AMD is unknown, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some risk factors for developing AMD include smoking, old age (over 60), race (Caucasian), history in the family and cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms of AMD
The most common symptom of AMD is blurred or distorted central vision. Other symptoms may include difficulty reading, difficulty recognizing faces and trouble adjusting to changes in light levels.
Diagnosis and Testing
If you have any of the symptoms of AMD, it is essential to see an optometrist in Charlotte, NC, for a comprehensive eye exam. Your doctor may use special tests such as fundus photography or optical coherence tomography (OCT) to diagnose AMD.
Treatment for AMD
There is currently no cure for AMD, but treatments are available to help slow its progression and preserve your vision. These treatments include nutritional supplements, laser surgery, photodynamic therapy and injections into the eye. Your optometrist in Charlotte will be able to advise you on which treatment is best for you.
Prevention of AMD
The best way to prevent AMD is to lead a healthy lifestyle. This includes not smoking, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and wearing sunglasses when outdoors. Regular eye exams are also necessary to detect any changes in your vision early on.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of age-related macular degeneration, it is vital to see an optometrist in Charlotte, NC, for a comprehensive eye exam. The team at Spectrum Eye Care is experienced in diagnosing and treating AMD and can offer you the latest treatments to help preserve your vision. You can consult us for general eye care, children’s eye exams, LASIK eye surgery, dry eye and more. Call us today at (704) 543-9000 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.