Macular Degeneration Detection and Management in Syracuse, NY

Macular degeneration is among the most common causes of vision loss. As it progresses, it can impact a person’s ability to complete everyday tasks. If you or a loved one are struggling with lost vision, Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C. can help. With locations in Manlius and Syracuse, NY, we offer macular degeneration treatment and management to help patients preserve their vision.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration, also called AMD, is an ocular disease that occurs when aging causes damage to the macula. The macula is a part of the retina responsible for central or straight-ahead central vision. The retina is a section of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It converts images into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain into vision.

As damage increases, center vision declines. There are two types of AMD, including:

• Dry AMD: Also called atrophic AMD, this is the most common type and occurs when the macula gets thinner due to age. It progresses slowly and cannot be treated, only managed.
• Wet AMD: Also called advanced neovascular AMD, this occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and damage the macula. Treatment options are available for wet AMD.

Who Is at Risk of Macular Degeneration?

AMD is most common in older adults, and the older a person is, the greater their risk. Other risk factors include:

• Being Caucasian
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Excessive unprotected UV light exposure
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Family history of AMD

Macular Degeneration Symptoms

Macular degeneration is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms develop slowly and increase over time. Early-stage dry AMD may have zero noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, center vision becomes blurry or wavy. Low light vision decreases, and there may also be changes in how the patient sees colors. In late or advanced stages, central vision fails completely. If dry AMD evolves into wet AMD, the condition will progress immediately into its late stage.

Macular Degeneration Detection

Because AMD rarely causes symptoms in early stages, regular eye examinations are essential for early detection. They help eye doctors diagnose the condition and begin management when it will be most effective. Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C. uses the following tests to detect AMD:

• Amsler grid test: The patient looks at a grid of straight lines with a large dot in the center. They identify any sections that look blurry, wavy, or broken.
• Dilated eye exam: The doctor uses eye drops to widen the pupils, then uses a special lens to look into the eye and examine the macula.
• Fluorescein angiography: The doctor injects a yellow dye into a vein. A special camera tracks the dye as it moves through blood vessels to look for signs of leakage.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This imaging test takes detailed images of the back of the eye, including the retina and macula.
• Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA): The doctor uses an injected dye and the OCT machine to create 3D images of blood flow through the eye.

Macular Degeneration Treatment and Management

There is no cure for macular degeneration. Instead, treatments focus on slowing disease progression while reducing its symptoms. The earlier treatment starts, the more effective it will be. Management strategies for macular degeneration include:

Nutritional Supplements

A combination of vitamin and mineral supplements, including vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zinc, copper, and zeaxanthin, can slow the progression of dry AMD. If AMD affects only one eye, supplements may also help protect the other eye.

Lifestyle Changes

The eye doctor may also recommend making lifestyle adjustments to slow disease progression. Changes may include:

• Staying active / exercise
• Eating a healthy diet
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting excessive alcohol consumption
• UV light protection (sunglasses and blue light block glasses for computer use)

Medications

Medication may be used to treat wet AMD by blocking the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This protein is responsible for building new blood vessels. By blocking its production, medication can prevent abnormal blood vessels from affecting the patient’s vision.