Macular Degeneration

Are you experiencing loss of eyesight? Then you may have macular degeneration, an eye disease that results in the deterioration of a person's central vision. Over 200,000 cases of macular degeneration are reported annually. At Monroe Family Eyecare Associates, we have proved Orange County residents of with reliable treatment options for macular degeneration for many years. Here is what you need to know about macular degeneration and how it is treated by our eye doctor.

Causes of Macular Degeneration

The macula is a small portion of the eye, centering the retina. The eye's macula plays a vital role in providing function to our central vision, fine detail, and vision. When the macula becomes damaged, the retina has a more difficult time interpreting visual data. 

Damage to the eyes can be the result of age-related natural deterioration, also known as age-related macular degeneration. The macula can also degenerate from other factors such as cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and poor dieting habits. If you experience a high amount of stress over time, you are more likely to develop this disease. Whatever the cause is, macular degeneration requires eye exams to begin the process of treatment.

Types of AMD

Macular degeneration is categorized into types and stages. There are two types of AMD: wet and dry. Wet AMD is a fast-growing type where the blood vessels grow abnormally, resulting in interference in the macula's blood flow. Dry AMD is a type that progresses slowly over time, resulting in the macula becoming thinner with age. There are three stages of macular degeneration: early, intermediate, and late. The symptoms of AMD will depend on the stage that it is in. In the late stages, patients will start to notice blurriness and wavy lines in their fields of vision.

How an Optometrist Addresses Eye Disease

If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of macular degeneration, schedule an eye exam with our optometrist. It's common for optometrists to provide vitamin supplements, eyeglasses, contacts, lifestyle advice, and low vision therapy to better manage the symptoms of macular degeneration. Our eye doctor will assess your condition to determine whether or not your vision difficulties are due to macular degeneration and recommend treatment accordingly.

Eye Care in Monroe, NY

At Monroe Family Eyecare, we have provided residents of Orange County with reliable eye care services for many years. Call us today at (845) 783-1224 for more information on macular degeneration or to schedule an appointment with our optometrist.