Macular Degeneration FAQ

Macular degeneration is an issue that faces people as they grow older, but it is not something that a person may be well aware of. To help fix that, Vision Professionals of Leawood KS have created this helpful muscular degeneration FAQ to answer whatever questions you may have.

What does macular degeneration do to your vision?

As macular degeneration develops, you begin to lose your central vision, preventing you from seeing finer details. This is true both for objects near or far from you. Despite this, your peripheral vision continues to behave as normal. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people 50 and older.

What is dry age-related macular degeneration?

Dry age-related muscular degeneration (or dry AMD for short) is a type of disorder of the eye wherein the macula becomes thinner, and protein clumps called drusen begin to form, slowly causing your central vision to degrade.

What is wet age-related macular degeneration?

Wet AMD occurs due to unusual blood vessels forming behind the retina. These blood vessels may leak blood or other fluids, which could then cause scarring to the macula.

Which of the two age-related macular degeneration types are most common?

Dry AMD is markedly more common than wet AMD, comprising 80 percent of all AMD sufferers. However, wet AMD is more serious, particularly with how much more rapid vision loss is than with dry AMD. In both cases, proper care should be taken to reduce the risk.

Are there ways for an eye doctor to prevent age-related macular degeneration?

There are varying factors that increase the risk of either type of AMD occurring. In addition to the age factor, people who are overweight have greater risk of AMD, as well as people suffering from hypertension. People with a diet high in saturated fats, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, and/or a habit of smoking cigarettes also have a higher risk. A family history of AMD may also prove a factor.

How can an eye doctor treat age-related macular degeneration?

With dry AMD, there is no way in optometry for it to be properly treated, although there are studies that suggest that people with a lot of drusen and/or serious vision loss may benefit from taking vitamin and mineral supplements. Meanwhile, wet AMD may be treated through optometry with the use of anti-VEGF drugs, which help reduce the number of blood vessels forming behind your retina.

Contact Vision Professionals of Leawood

Vision Professionals of Leawood in Leawood, KS provide optometry services for patients to avoid AMD. Call 913-239-9446 for an appointment today. The sooner you get checked out, the better.