Dry AMD occurs when cells of your macula stop functioning correctly, resulting in blurry vision. Some patients suffering from this form of macular degeneration can benefit from taking supplements containing lutein, vitamin C and zinc.

Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and leak blood and fluid onto your retina. This form can quickly lead to central vision loss.

Injections

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, which is responsible for central vision. Over time, AMD can lead to progressive loss of central vision which interferes with daily activities and, in severe cases, legal blindness. Early recognition is important as treating medications and diet can often reverse its progress; there are two forms of AMD: Dry AMD and Wet AMD; both usually appear over time through accumulation of tiny deposits under the retina known as drusen; however Wet AMD typically starts abruptly when new blood vessels form under the retina that leak fluid that causes progressive loss of central vision over time.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections are the primary treatment option for wet macular degeneration and have shown to slow its progression significantly, improving vision in 40% of those receiving them.

An emerging body of research has linked uncontrolled oxidative stress with macular degeneration. To investigate further, a clinical trial using complement system modulator eculizumab to stop progression of dry AMD by blocking a bloodstream protein that causes oxidative stress and the formation of drusen was launched; COMPLETE trial proved a success as none of those taking part experienced wet AMD during this period.

Dr. Hilford will help determine which therapies may be appropriate for you during a dilated eye examination using tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography. Retrotope also offers a medication called RT011, an isotopically stabilized version of DHA which removes fuel that causes uncontrolled oxidative stress without altering its critical role within the eye.

Laser Surgery

Dry macular degeneration occurs when the retina thins and protein deposits known as drusen appear, eventually breaking down and leading to vision loss and eventually leading to central blindness (geographic atrophy). It accounts for around 80 percent of AMD cases.

Wet age-related macular degeneration, an advanced condition which can develop quickly, occurs when abnormal blood vessels form beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid into the macula, leading to rapid vision loss and vision impairment. Also referred to as exudative or neovascular AMD.

If you suspect wet AMD, it is essential that you act quickly. Early treatment with laser surgery and injections may prevent further vision loss; in addition, your central Louisiana retina specialist can monitor symptoms, suggest lifestyle modifications and provide low-vision devices to minimize vision loss.

Recent clinical research conducted on patients suffering from wet AMD has shown that an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drug called Eculizumab was successful at stopping further vision loss for 40% of those who received it – making this first clinical trial ever to demonstrate such effectiveness, providing renewed optimism about treating wet macular degeneration.

At this point, no treatment exists that can cure advanced dry macular degeneration and restore any lost vision; however, one can slow its progress with diet and nutritional supplements that contain vitamins C and E as well as beta-carotene, zinc and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.

Avoid smoking, protect your eyes from ultraviolet light exposure, and limit food sources high in saturated fat, trans-fats, and sodium intake. Involve yourself with regular check-ups with central Louisiana retina specialists as these tests may detect early signs of macular degeneration allowing earlier intervention if needed. Reach out now to schedule an appointment with an eye and laser expert in Louisiana Eye & Laser Center – we look forward to helping maintain optimal vision!

Vitamins and Minerals

Although no cure exists for dry AMD, studies have demonstrated that taking high doses of antioxidant vitamins and minerals may slow its progress. One such formula includes beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and copper. A diet high in lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids as well as other healthy food may provide extra protection.

Wet macular degeneration, on the other hand, is more challenging to treat; laser surgery and Photodynamic Therapy require medical specialists. But research has indicated that injecting anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections directly into one’s eye may significantly increase visual acuity for those living with wet macular degeneration.

An extensive eye exam is necessary in order to properly diagnose either wet or dry macular degeneration. Your eye doctor will dilate your pupils, using an Amsler grid, to monitor any changes to central vision. In addition, an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan may be performed in order to examine both retinas and macular areas more thoroughly.

Eye Exams

Although online eye exams seem more efficient and convenient, nothing beats an in-person examination conducted by an experienced eye care provider. A complete exam typically lasts around an hour and includes several tests designed to measure vision acuity as well as monitor overall eye health.

An eye exam begins by gathering your medical history and discussing any symptoms you are experiencing. Bring all current glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses along to the appointment. Next, your eye doctor will use drops to dilate your eyes in order to better see inside them; as this causes light sensitivity when leaving their office you should bring sunglasses with you as protection from sun glare.

An eye exam is key in understanding your options and diagnosing macular degeneration at its early stages. Dry macular degeneration typically progresses gradually over time, as evidenced by macula thinning and degradation that blurs or obscures central vision, eventually progressing into wet AMD which causes rapid vision loss due to abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina releasing fluid into macula cells, leading to further destruction of vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath retina that leak fluid that damages it directly.

Macular degeneration can lead to blindness if left untreated, so early diagnosis and treatment are key in combatting its spread. Your eye care professional will ask about any family histories of macular degeneration before conducting tests designed to detect signs of the disease during your in-person eye exam.

An eye exam can not only detect macular degeneration but also provide crucial early identification of other health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure; additionally it may reveal glaucoma which becomes harder to treat without early diagnosis. Therefore it’s recommended to have at least one comprehensive eye exam every one or two years and potentially more often depending on your risk factors.