Aging can contribute to the development of macular degeneration, which is why it’s important to have regular eye exams. At Monterey Bay Eye Center in Monterey Bay, CA, we provide regular screens to help with a diagnosis and prompt treatment that can help preserve your vision. Before you schedule an appointment with us, learn more about this disease and why treatment is important below:
What Is Macular Degeneration?
As we get older, our eyes and vision changes. The center portion of your retina, known as the macula, breaks down as we age. Since this portion of the eye is necessary to see objects directly in front of you, when the macula does not function as it should, this results in central vision loss.
There are two types of macular degeneration: wet and dry. Dry macular degeneration affects the majority of people who suffer from the disease. With this type, the macula breaks down or becomes thin, which affects your central vision and makes objects appear blurry. Dry macular degeneration is also characterized by small, yellow lumps of protein known as drusen that accumulate on the retina.
The wet form is more severe and rarer than dry. It happens when blood vessels behind the retina leak fluids and scar the macula. It progresses much faster than the dry type. With regular eye exams, our ophthalmologists can help diagnose macular degeneration before it progresses to a severe stage.
How Does an Ophthalmologist Diagnose Macular Degeneration?
During an eye exam, our ophthalmologists will look for signs of drusen, as well as changes in the color of your retina. These signs often appear in the early stage of the disease or cause mild vision loss in the intermediate stage. If you already have some central vision loss, you may have a more advanced stage of macular degeneration. Once our ophthalmologists determine a diagnosis, we can provide you with treatment that can help preserve your vision.
How Do Ophthalmologists Treat Macular Degeneration?
While there is no cure for macular degeneration, treatment is available. Medication and laser therapy can be highly effective, depending on the stage and type of the disease that you have.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
At Monterey Bay Eye Center in Monterey Bay, CA, we provide regular screenings for macular degeneration. Visiting us for an eye exam can help with early detection of the disease and help slow down the progression. To learn about the treatments and services that we provide, contact us at 831.372.1500 today. We look forward to improving your eyesight!