Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a common eye condition, most common in older adults. It impacts the retina, potentially leading to vision problems. While some treatments can help, there is no cure.
Are you dealing with this disease? If so, consider reaching out to Corinth Eye Clinic today! We provide many eye care services, including dependable macular degeneration treatment in Corinth, MS.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a common eye disease that causes issues with your central vision, which helps you see objects right in front of you. Those over the age of 50 are more at risk of developing the condition.
Macular degeneration causes changes in the macula, the central area of the retina. This disease can affect one or both eyes.
Common Symptoms
The macula assists in sending images to your brain. If you experience the condition, your brain may have a hard time recognizing certain images in front of you.
Other common symptoms of macular degeneration include:
- Trouble seeing in low light
- Problems seeing colors correctly
- Blurry vision
- Dark spots in vision
- Straight lines appear wavy
- Low vision
It’s common not to experience any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, issues typically pop up as the condition progresses.
Causes
Your parents often pass down macular degeneration. No one knows why the condition happens, but aging seems to be a crucial factor.
Aside from age, here are some other causes of the disease:
- Head injuries
- Diabetes
- Infections
- Poor diet
If you’re suffering from macular degeneration, finding relief is essential. Contact Corinth Eye Clinic today for the trusted treatment you can depend on!
Risk Factors
While your genetics can make you more prone to developing macular degeneration, there are other risk factors to consider, which include:
- Being overweight
- Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure
- Smoking
- Being white
- Consuming a lot of saturated fat
While this condition is most common for older adults, young people can also get the disease, especially if they have multiple risk factors.
Types of Macular Degeneration
Here are the two different types of macular degeneration:
Dry (atrophic) macular degeneration
For those with the disease, they typically have the dry form. In fact, this is true for about 90% of macular degeneration patients. This condition happens when small yellow protein deposits develop under your macula. These then dry out and thin the macula, leading to problems.
Wet (exudative) macular degeneration
Wet macular degeneration occurs when unusual blood vessels develop under the macula and retina, leaking blood and other fluid. This leads to fluid buildup, causing a bulge to form in the macula. Unfortunately, wet macular degeneration can cause total loss of central vision. Only about 10% of those with the condition have the wet form.
Diagnosis & Treatment
To check for this condition, eye doctors run various tests and exams, including the following:
- Dilated eye exam
- Amsler grid test
- Fluorescein angiography
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA)
After reviewing these findings, your provider should be able to make a clear diagnosis. Doctors may recommend nutritional supplements, certain medications, photodynamic therapy, or laser photocoagulation for treatment.
Macular Degeneration Treatment at Corinth Eye Clinic
Corinth Eye Clinic is your source for dependable eye care, including macular degeneration treatment in Corinth, MS. We’re here to help with all your vision and eye care needs. Contact us today to book an appointment with one of our trusted eye doctors!
