Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Vision loss, blurry vision, reduced night vision, and difficulty recognizing faces are just a few ways macular degeneration can impact vision. Many individuals with age-related muscular degeneration are unaware they have the condition until their symptoms worsen, which is why our team at Heart of Texas Eye Care is dedicated to educating patients about eye health and disease prevention. 

Learn more about macular degeneration (AMD)

What is Macular Degeneration (AMD) and How Does it Impact My Vision?

Macular degeneration is a deterioration of the macula, the central portion of the retina.  The macula allows us to recognize faces and colors, drive, read, and see objects in fine detail. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is considered incurable and is a leading cause of vision loss in patients who are 65 and older

There are two types of age-related macular degeneration, dry and wet. Dry AMD is the most common form of AMD and causes slow central vision loss. Though wet AMD is less common, is more severe than dry AMD and causes rapid vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment for wet AMD are crucial to preventing vision loss.

The symptoms of macular degeneration include:

Dry AMD

  • Diminished central vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night or in dimly lit areas
  • Blurry vision when reading 
  • A blurry or blind spot in the central vision

Wet AMD

  • Straight lines appear crooked
  • Trouble recognizing faces 
  • Blurry vision when reading 
  • Diminished central vision
  • A blurry or blind spot in the central vision

How Can I Prevent Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

There are a few factors that can increase your risk of developing macular degeneration. The most significant risk factor for macular degeneration is age. Other factors include:

  • Genetics
  • Smoking (doubles your risk for AMD),
  • Race (white patients are more likely to develop AMD)
  • Poor diet 

There is currently no cure for AMD. There are, however, ways to reduce your risk and, if already diagnosed, slow the progression of the disease. Lifestyle changes such as dieting, exercise, not smoking, and wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help. Many patients are unaware that they have AMD until their symptoms become severe. Annual eye exams can ensure that you know you have AMD if it develops, so you and your doctor can take steps to help manage and slow its progression.

What is Macular Degeneration (AMD) and How Does it Impact My Vision?

Macular degeneration is a deterioration of the macula, the central portion of the retina.  The macula allows us to recognize faces and colors, drive, read, and see objects in fine detail. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is considered incurable and is a leading cause of vision loss in patients who are 65 and older

There are two types of age-related macular degeneration, dry and wet. Dry AMD is the most common form of AMD and causes slow central vision loss. Though wet AMD is less common, is more severe than dry AMD and causes rapid vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment for wet AMD are crucial to preventing vision loss.

The symptoms of macular degeneration include:

Dry AMD

  • Diminished central vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night or in dimly lit areas
  • Blurry vision when reading 
  • A blurry or blind spot in the central vision

Wet AMD

  • Straight lines appear crooked
  • Trouble recognizing faces 
  • Blurry vision when reading 
  • Diminished central vision
  • A blurry or blind spot in the central vision

How Can I Prevent Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

There are a few factors that can increase your risk of developing macular degeneration. The most significant risk factor for macular degeneration is age. Other factors include:

  • Genetics
  • Smoking (doubles your risk for AMD),
  • Race (white patients are more likely to develop AMD)
  • Poor diet 

There is currently no cure for AMD. There are, however, ways to reduce your risk and, if already diagnosed, slow the progression of the disease. Lifestyle changes such as dieting, exercise, not smoking, and wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help. Many patients are unaware that they have AMD until their symptoms become severe. Annual eye exams can ensure that you know you have AMD if it develops, so you and your doctor can take steps to help manage and slow its progression.

What are My Treatment Options for Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Currently, there is no cure for macular degeneration or treatment for the condition in its early stages. If you are diagnosed with AMD in its early stage, your doctor will monitor your eyes and the progression of the disease. Leading an active lifestyle, eating healthy, and refraining from smoking may help slow the progression of AMD. We may prescribe supplements to help slow AMD progression for intermediate stages of AMD.

Patients diagnosed with wet AMD may benefit from anti-VEGF treatment, a medication that may improve or stabilize vision. Additionally, photodynamic therapy, a treatment that combines laser procedures and medications to prevent further vision loss, may be an option.

What are My Treatment Options for Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Currently, there is no cure for macular degeneration or treatment for the condition in its early stages. If you are diagnosed with AMD in its early stage, your doctor will monitor your eyes and the progression of the disease. Leading an active lifestyle, eating healthy, and refraining from smoking may help slow the progression of AMD. We may prescribe supplements to help slow AMD progression for intermediate stages of AMD.

Patients diagnosed with wet AMD may benefit from anti-VEGF treatment, a medication that may improve or stabilize vision. Additionally, photodynamic therapy, a treatment that combines laser procedures and medications to prevent further vision loss, may be an option.

Take the
Next Step

Would you like to learn more about macular degeneration (AMD) and take the first step toward a clearer future? Then please fill out our online form below or call us at (512) 213-2220 to get started with an in-person consultation at Heart of Texas Eye Care. Our courteous staff and board-certified ophthalmologists are here to assist you through every step of your journey!

Clearer Vision
Starts Here

If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.

Clearer Vision
Starts Here

If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.