Macular Degeneration

About 11 million Americans have macular degeneration, a disease that can affect your central vision. At Retina Consultants of Austin, with offices in Austin, Lakeway, Marble Falls, and Round Rock, Texas, the macular degeneration specialists offer leading treatments to prevent the development and progression of the disease. They’re also actively involved in clinical research, providing the opportunity to try the newest treatments before they’re widely available. Call the nearest office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes progressive vision loss and, if untreated, blindness. The condition mainly affects adults over the age of 55, so it’s commonly called age-related macular degeneration. 

There are two main types of macular degeneration: the dry form, in which deposits form under the retina, and the wet form, in which abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the retina. 

Both dry and wet macular degeneration can cause vision issues. 

What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?

Dry macular degeneration may occur in early or intermediate stages. You might not have any symptoms in either stage, although some people experience minor symptoms like blurrier eyesight or an increased difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. 

Advanced (late-stage) macular degeneration can be either dry or wet. Wet macular degeneration is always advanced. 

In advanced macular degeneration, it’s common to experience symptoms like straight lines looking wavy, blurry spots in your vision, or faded-looking colors. 

Macular degeneration can lead to central vision loss, but there are ways to slow its progression. 

How is macular degeneration treated?

Retina Consultants of Austin specializes in the treatment and management of macular degeneration. 

Your treatment depends on whether you have dry or wet macular degeneration: 

Dry macular degeneration 

There’s no treatment for dry macular degeneration, but some may help, including adding foods like fish, dark leafy greens, and yellow and red fruits and veggies. 

A specific combination of supplements (oral vitamins and minerals) may slow macular degeneration progression. If you smoke, it’s critical to quit because smoking progresses the disease faster.

You need eye exams at least once a year to monitor your condition, which allows you to start treatment right away if your disease progresses to the wet form. 

Wet macular degeneration

Wet macular degeneration often responds positively to anti-VEGF injections, which prevents the growth of new blood vessels in your retina. Anti-VEGF injections given every four to six weeks can help you regain some lost vision and prevent further vision loss. 

Port delivery systems (ocular implants that deliver medication over time) are another option for wet macular degeneration. The implants can eliminate the need for frequent injections in some cases. 

The providers also offer the latest techniques and are actively involved in clinical research trials, allowing their patients access to the newest macular degeneration treatments before they’re widely available. 

For macular degeneration help, call Retina Consultants of Austin or schedule an appointment online today.