How An Eye Exam Doctor Can Help with Macular Degeneration

An eye exam doctor can help determine if you have macular degeneration and need eye injections

As we age, the retina can sometimes undergo a type of deterioration known as macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This eye disease is a prominent cause of vision loss in people who are over the age of 50. The loss can occur gradually with time, and you might not even realize or notice that it is occurring. However, it can also occur suddenly as well with the onset of a loss of vision in the center area of the eye.

You do not have to accept defeat in such a situation. While we don’t know the specific cause of this condition, luckily, there are treatments in place which can be administered by a skilled eye doctor who treats eye diseases, known as an opthamologist who is specifically trained in Vitreoretinal Diseases and is often referred to as a “Retina Specialist”. Even though a cure is not currently possible, there are certain eye injections that can prevent it from developing further and help you retain your ability to see.

How An Eye Specialist Treats Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The first step an opthamologist would perform would be diagnostic testing of the eye to determine if indeed you are suffering from AMD or perhaps the early signs of it. The doctor will look at the retina and the layers associated with the retina to determine if there are any abnormalities. If so, there are treatments available which can help prevent the eye condition from progressing further. 

It used to be that patients were treated with laser / photodynamic therapy. However, cutting-edge discoveries have found new sophisticated methods including both specialized drugs for vision and eye injections which have proven effective in stopping the condition from developing further and retaining one’s ability to see. If you are of a certain age and you are concerned about your ability to see clearly, don’t hesitate to contact an eye doctor who specializes in macular degeneration.

It’s important to note that there is no way to stop AMD from progressing in the late-stage form of this condition known as GA. However, there is a window of time before it gets that far where certain nutritional supplements can block this from moving to the advanced stage.

There are certain risk factors associated with potentially being affected by macular degeneration. These of course include age obviously, but also being caucasian, heart conditions, smoking, high blood pressure and others. 

Are You Having Trouble Seeing?

The ability to see is important to people of all ages and all walks of life. That’s why it’s so important to contact an eye exam specialist if you feel you may be impacted by an eye condition. Or, perhaps you simply need a routine eye exam to help ensure you have the best visual health possible.

If you are in need of an eye doctor to evaluate your eyes, determine your retina health, and ensure you have the best treatments and vision possible, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Deepak Mangla at Harbor Retina. Dr. Mangla is board-certified with substantial experience in over a thousand surgeries. Feel free to contact us at any time with questions or if you would like more information.