Is your vision blurred?
Do you see a small black or grey blind spot in the center of your field of vision?
Has your night vision diminished?
Have you experienced a decrease in the intensity of colors?
Are you experiencing an overall haziness in your vision in general?
Have straight lines begun to appear crooked or wavy?
These are all symptoms of macular degeneration. Fortunately, AMD does not cause eye pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult your eye doctor. However, after a determination as to whether you have wet or dry macular degeneration is made, your ophthalmologist will refer you to visit an ophthalmologist who specializes in vitreo-retinal diseases if you have wet AMD. This determination is made during a dilated eye exam.
Who is at greatest risk for macular degeneration?
Since it is primarily an age-related disease, people over the age of 60 are at the greatest risk level as compared to other age groups. Females and Caucasians also are at a greater risk. Additional risk factors include: a family history of AMD, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a diet depleted of fruits and vegetables, and smoking. An early diagnosis of AMD is quite frequently made during a comprehensive eye exam in patients without apparent symptoms. By dilating the pupils and using various devices, your ophthalmologist is able to carefully examine the macula in the central portion of the retina to determine the presence of AMD. If it is determined you have wet AMD, it can be treated with regular eye injections, laser surgery, and photodynamic therapy to slow down the loss of vision. However, there is no cure and treatments may fail resulting in the progression of vision loss. Dry AMD can transform into the more severe wet AMD at any time. Although AMD does not cause other eye diseases, you can have AMD at the same time as another eye disease.
To make an appointment at West Side Eye Clinic, you can reach our staff at (504) 347-8434.
For more information, email info@westsideeyeclinic.com. We are located at 4601 Wichers Drive in Marrero and are at your service Monday through Wednesday from 9am – 5pm; Thursday and Friday from 9am – 4pm; and by appointment only on Saturday. Your complete eye health is our top priority!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
