Services » Optometric/Ophthalmology » Macular Degeneration

Wet Macular Degeneration

In the “wet” type of macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels (known as choroidal neovascularization) grow under the retina and macula. These new blood vessels may then bleed and leak fluid, causing the macula to bulge or lift up, thus distorting or destroying central vision. Under these circumstances, vision loss may be rapid and severe. With the “wet” type, the patient may see a dark spot (or spots) in the center of their vision due to blood or fluid under the macula. Straight lines may look wavy because the macula is no longer smooth. Peripheral vision is rarely affected.
“American Macular Degeneration Foundation”

At your yearly examination you will have the following testing:

• Dilation You will have drops put into both eyes so the doctor can get a detailed look at your retina to check for any changes in the macula. Also required for the macular photos that you will have done on this day unless you were recently dilated by your retinal specialist. Optos (digital screening) is not acceptable
• FDT Matrix This test is a peripheral vision test that tells us how well your optic nerves are functioning and maps if there is any vision loss
• Color Vision Testing To test if there is any color deficiency
• Fundus Photography This camera is used to take a high magnification photo of your maculas to document any changes. Your eyes will dilated prior to taking the picture.
• Amsler Grid This is a test to determine if there is any changes in the macular part of your eye. You will hold a grid at reading distance, stare at the central dot, and mark any abnormalities you see in the surrounding lines. You will be asked to take this home for weekly monitoring. Call our office if you notice any changes

Remember it is very important to follow up with your retinal specialist as necessary.

Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. As dry AMD gets worse, you may see a blurred spot in the center of your vision. Over time, as less of the macula functions, central vision is gradually lost in the affected eye. The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. You may have difficulty recognizing faces. You may need more light for reading and other tasks. Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected. One of the most common early signs of dry AMD is drusen (which are yellow deposits found under the retina).
“National Eye Institute”

At your yearly eye examinations you will have the following testing:

• Dilation You will have drops put into both eyes so the doctor can get a detailed look at your retina to check for any changes in the macula. Also required the macular photos that you will have done on this day. Optos (digital screening) is not acceptable
• FDT Matrix This test is a peripheral vision test that tells us how well your optic nerves are functioning and maps if there is any vision loss
• Color Vision Testing To test if there is any color deficiency
• Fundus Photography This camera is used to take a high magnification photo of your maculas to document any changes. Your eyes will dilated prior to taking the picture.
• Amsler Grid This is a test to determine if there is any changes in the macular part of your eye. You will hold a grid at reading distance, stare at the central dot, and mark any abnormalities you see in the surrounding lines. You will be asked to take this home for weekly monitoring. Call our office if you notice any changes
• Nutritional Vitamins will be recommended to you at your eye examination. Please make sure you take the recommended dosage.

Every 3—6 months (if indicated) you will have an additional test depending on the severity of your macular degeneration:
PHP (This test is designed to reveal wet macular degeneration at its onset and early stages, before the damage causes permanent vision loss. It is a type of visual field where you will have to mark the distortions on a line that flashes in front of you. The test takes approximately 20-30 minutes. You may be dilated afterwards to see the doctor

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