Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common, progressive eye condition that affects the central part of the retina, called the macula. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50 and is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. Fortunately, there are ways to evaluate your risk factors for AMD and treatment options available to help restore vision.
At The Eye Center, P.A., our team of experienced ophthalmologists provides comprehensive care for patients with age-related macular degeneration. We understand how difficult it can be to cope with vision loss due to AMD and are dedicated to helping our patients maintain their quality of life by providing tailored treatment plans that fit their individual needs and goals.
Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
There are several risk factors associated with developing age-related macular degeneration, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, family history/genetics, smoking status, and lifestyle choices such as diet and physical activity.
To evaluate your personal risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it’s important to speak with an experienced ophthalmologist who can assess your individual situation and provide personalized advice on how you can reduce your chances of developing this condition or slow its progression if you already have it. At The Eye Center, P.A., our doctors will perform a comprehensive eye exam that includes testing visual acuity as well as assessing any signs or symptoms associated with AMD such as blurred vision or difficulty seeing details in objects near you or far away from you. During this exam they will also consider any personal risk factors to determine if you’re at an increased risk for developing this condition so they can provide tailored advice on how best to protect yourself from it going forward or slow its progression if already present.
Treatment Options for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
If you’ve been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there are several treatment options available depending on the severity of your condition and how much damage has been done to your retina already from it progressing over time without intervention from medical professionals like those at The Eye Center P.A. These treatments include lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking if applicable; dietary changes like eating foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids; medications including anti-VEGF
injections; laser therapy; photodynamic therapy; vitamins & supplements; stem cell injections; surgery & implants; low vision aids like magnifying glasses & telescopic lenses; and assistive technology like voice activated computers & smartphones designed specifically for people living with visual impairments due to diseases like AMD. Depending on what type(s) of treatment(s) you opt into, they may help slow down further progression of the disease, improve existing vision, restore some lost sight, prevent further damage, or even completely restore lost sight depending on how severe the case is.
At The Eye Center P.A., we understand how difficult it can be living with visual impairments due to diseases like age related macular degeneration (AMD). Our team of experienced ophthalmologists is dedicated to helping our patients maintain their quality of life by providing tailored treatment plans that fit their individual needs and goals while also educating them about ways they can reduce their personal risks factors associated with this condition so they can better protect themselves going forward. To learn more about evaluating & treating your own risks associated with AMD please contact us today!