Age Related Macular Degeneration Dry
If you’ve been diagnosed with dry macular degeneration, or are experiencing changes in your vision, our advanced treatment solutions can help manage the condition and preserve your vision.
What is Dry Macular Degeneration?
Dry macular degeneration is a common form of age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD), which involves the slow buildup of drusen (small yellowish deposits) under your retina. While the condition doesn’t involve fluid leaking or blood, it can lead to a gradual loss of central vision.
Dry age-related macular degeneration is different from wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), which is when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, leaking fluid and blood that can lead to sudden and severe vision loss.
How Dry Macular Degeneration Affects Your Vision
Dry macular degeneration affects your macula, the central part of your retina that is responsible for giving you sharp vision. Over time, the accumulation of drusen can lead to a dimming or distortion of vision that makes it challenging to recognize faces, read, or see details in low light.
Symptoms of Dry Macular Degeneration
Symptoms of Dry Macular Degeneration
The symptoms of dry macular degeneration might include:
- Gradual reduction in your central vision
- Need for brighter light when reading
- Increased difficulty adapting to low light levels (dim light)
- Blurred or distorted vision
Benefits of Receiving Treatment
While there is no cure for dry age-related macular degeneration, early detection and appropriate treatment can help:
- Slow the progression of your vision loss
- Stabilize your vision
- Maintain your ability to perform daily activities, including reading
- Reduce the risk of the condition advancing to wet macular degeneration (which can occur suddenly)
Are You a Candidate for Dry Macular Degeneration Treatment?
You might be a candidate for treatment if you:
- Notice any gradual vision changes
- Routine eye exams show the presence of drusen under your retina
- Are diagnosed with dry macular degeneration
- Have risk factors like advanced age or a family history
What To Expect
When you visit the Center for Retina and Macular Disease, your eye specialist will discuss any symptoms you’ve been experiencing related to your vision. They will also conduct an eye exam using the latest diagnostic tools, including optical coherence tomography, to detect the presence and extent of any drusen under your retina.
Based on this assessment, we can discuss lifestyle adjustments and potential treatments that might include nutritional supplements known to benefit those with dry AMD. For example, nutritional supplements can include vitamins C and E, and zinc, while dietary changes can involve eating leafy greens and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Depending on the type of macular degeneration, injection therapy may be beneficial.
Potential Risks
Your eye specialist will discuss risks of treatment for dry macular degeneration tailored to your indicated treatment.
Signs You Should Meet with an Eye Specialist at the Center for Retina and Macular Disease
If you notice any of the following, it’s important to get evaluated:
- Slowly worsening central vision
- Need for more light when reading
- Difficulty seeing in dimly lit environments
- Family history of macular degeneration
Dry Macular Degeneration Treatment with Center for Retina and Macular Disease
At the Center for Retina and Macular Disease, our team specializes in the treatment of retinal conditions, including dry age-related macular degeneration. Our goal is to slow the progression of the disease and preserve your vision. Our experienced eye specialists provide personalized care, making sure that those who develop macular degeneration receive the best possible treatment.
If you’re ready to explore your treatment options for macular degeneration, contact the Center for Retina and Macular Disease today to schedule your consultation.