Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

It seems like everything gets worse as you get older, and your eyes are no exception. Age-related macular degeneration can happen as you get older, and we at Lavenburg Medical Group are here to answer your questions about it. We’re your eye doctor serving Elkton, MD, and Newark, DE, with ophthalmologist care. Give our office a call at 302-993-0722 today. 

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What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Also known as AMD, it can cause severe eyesight loss in those aged 50 and older. This condition causes the center of your vision to dim and fade, you rarely go blind from it, but your central vision can be damaged. AMD affects the macula, a part of the retina. Over time this section of vision gets to the point where you can’t read smaller print, see faces, or drive. It comes in two forms, wet or dry. 

Symptoms of AMD

Many times there will be no symptoms as the condition begins, but some include:

  • Seeing waves in straight lines
  • Fuzzy vision
  • Hard to recognize people’s faces
  • Dark spots in vision
  • Loss of central vision

With an eye exam, symptoms that the ophthalmologist can see are tiny yellow retina deposits, called drusen. These are the most common first signs of AMD, which means that the person is more at risk for developing the condition. This is why repeated eye exams when you age are recommended so that there is the ability to catch things early. By choosing a respected eye doctor in the community, they can follow your baseline to changes in that condition and monitor you for potential sight problems. 

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is the lesser common form, and there is a more pronounced vision loss than Dry. This is where there is growth underneath the retina in the form of abnormal blood vessels. These vessels leak fluid and blood, making a large blind spot in the field of vision. 

Dry AMD

This type is about 80% of cases and is the most common. The macula’s light-sensitive cells typically break down one eye at a time. It is a slow process that takes a long time to progress. Studies have shown that under the retina is a support membrane that may play a factor in contributing to Dry AMD. 

Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

People with high blood pressure, those who smoke, eat a high saturated fat diet, or are 50 years of age or older have higher risk factors for developing AMD. Periodic eye exams through an eye doctor can help screen you for these types of conditions.

Make Your Vision Appointment!

Lavenburg Medical Group, your eye doctor serving Elkton, MD and Newark can provide you with ophthalmologist care. Give our office a call at 302-993-0722 today.

 

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Our Newark location is open until 5:30 pm on select Mondays. Patients please call to confirm closing time for our Newark location

Monday

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Tuesday

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Wednesday

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Thursday

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Monday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Saturday
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Sunday
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