Macular eye degeneration is a common eye disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a leading cause of vision loss, particularly in individuals over the age of 50. Living with macular eye degeneration can be challenging, as it impacts daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. The professionals at Denver Vision have extensive experience in providing the highest level of care to individuals with macular degeneration. Keep reading to see how macular eye degeneration can affect others and how we can help today.
What is Macular Degeneration
The disease is a progressive eye disorder that results in the loss of central vision when the central part of the retina is damaged. While it’s true that macular degeneration can affect younger adults, most people affected by the condition are over the age of 50. Macular degeneration is a complex condition that develops gradually and results in blurry vision and the loss of central vision.
You’ll need to see a qualified eye care professional to receive a macular degeneration diagnosis. Some of the warning signs of macular degeneration include:
- Dramatic loss of central vision in one or both eyes.
- The center of your vision seems dark, empty, or fuzzy.
- Your vision is slow to come back after exposure to bright light.
- A sudden deterioration in the quality of your vision.
- Colors are starting to appear less vivid than they formerly did.
- Difficulty recognizing faces at a distance.
- You’ve noticed a blurred area in the center of your vision.
If you are experiencing macular degeneration symptoms in Lakewood, CO, get in touch with our specialists and arrange for a comprehensive eye exam as early as possible.
Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration
Dry macular degeneration, also known as atrophic macular degeneration, is characterized by yellow deposits called drusen, which cause the thinning of the macula over time, thus interfering with its normal functioning and causing vision loss. Debris collects between the retina and the choroid, causing scarring, leading to minor vision loss, mild blurriness, and a distortion in central vision.
Unlike dry macular degeneration, wet macular degeneration progresses rapidly. In wet macular degeneration, blood vessels grow underneath the retina and start to leak blood or fluid that causes damage to the macula in the process.
Treatments for Macular Degeneration
Syfovre
In March of 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the use of Syfovre to treat macular degeneration. A series of rigorous clinical trials on the treatment has shown that this prescription medication is very effective in reducing the progression of dry macular degeneration.
Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment
Medication can be injected into the vitreous cavity of your eye to treat wet macular degeneration. Anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) treatment is used to reduce the leakage from abnormal blood vessels in the retina. The treatment prevents the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reduces fluid leakage, thus helping to stabilize vision. Another treatment option for wet macular degeneration is laser surgery. An eye surgeon will shine a laser light beam while targeting abnormal blood vessels to reduce their number and slow their leaking.
Early detection and treatment of macular degeneration makes it easier to treat it. Scheduling regular eye exams with a specialist can help in the early diagnosis of the condition and allow you to begin therapy.
The Professionals at Denver Vision are Here to Help With your Eye Care
Don’t let macular degeneration continue to affect your vision and quality of life negatively. The professionals at Denver Vision are here to help with your eye care. Our specialists have the expertise, knowledge, and experience to help you with the diagnosis and treatment of macular degeneration.
Are you looking for reliable macular eye degeneration treatment in Lakewood, CO? Contact us today to schedule your appointment with our eye care specialists.
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