Clarkson Eyecare is staffed with highly trained eye doctors who use the latest technology to conduct thorough eye exams and help diagnose and treat various eye conditions, including macular degeneration.
Through our doctors' experience, skills, and expertise, they help patients find the most viable treatment option to improve their vision.
Clarkson Eyecare has age-related macular degeneration specialists ready to assist you in Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, New Jersey, Virginia, Georgia, and Florida. Click to find a location near you.
Macular degeneration is an eye disease affecting the macula (the center of the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye), causing loss or blurriness of central vision. The disease usually occurs as you get older, so it’s commonly referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision impairment and loss for those 60 and above.
Macular degeneration primarily happens in older adults due to the natural weakening of eye tissues as you age. While AMD primarily affects adults, it can happen to those with a family history of the condition or to smokers. The disease doesn’t cause total blindness but does blur vision. Clarkson Eyecare’s specialists offer macular degeneration treatments to prevent your vision from worsening.
While there isn’t a single primary cause of AMD, there are several risk factors to be aware of. Besides aging, other common risk factors include:
Obesity
Genetics
Family history
Cardiovascular disease
Smoking
High blood pressure
Many of these factors can increase your chances of developing macular degeneration or can increase the severity of symptoms. Additionally, AMD is more common in women.
While there isn’t a cure for AMD, there are treatments that can lessen symptoms. Clarkson Eyecare’s retina and low vision specialists can help with rehab exercises to prevent further vision loss. Some of the treatment options available are:
Anti-VEGF Injections: Wet AMD can be treated with anti-VEGF medications that slow the production of certain proteins to prevent new blood vessels from growing. This stabilizes your vision and, in some cases, improves it.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A light-sensitive medication is injected in your arm, which is activated by a laser to form tiny blood clots in the macula and seal off leaking vessels. PDT can be combined with anti-VEGF injections and may need to be repeated every few months.
If you think you may be experiencing macular degeneration, find an eye doctor at your nearest Clarkson Eyecare and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
With wet and dry macular degeneration, vision is often blurred, colors might appear differently, and it can be hard to make out fine print or see while driving. Wet macular degeneration also causes lines to appear wavy.
The experienced eye doctors at Clarkson Eyecare help diagnose and treat AMD. Our experts work with you to prevent further loss and stop the condition from spreading to your other eye with anti-VEGF medications or photodynamic therapy.
It is essential to protect your eyes and prevent further vision loss if you are experiencing macular degeneration. Our doctors at Clarkson Eyecare can help discuss options and create a treatment plan if you are diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration. Schedule an appointment for an eye exam to treat AMD at a Clarkson Eyecare near you.