Preserving Your Sight as You Age
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50, impacting millions of lives each year. In fact, more than 11 million people in the U.S. are affected by macular degeneration. Our Dublin eye doctors are dedicated to protecting your vision through early detection, advanced care, and tailored management plans.
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Email:
info@shamrockeye.com
(Do not send personal health information by email.) - Phone: 380-228-8875
- Fax: 614-760-0256
Dublin, OH 43017
- Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Macular Degeneration Explained
Macular degeneration (also called age-related macular degeneration or AMD) is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula. This is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. There are two main types:
- Dry Macular Degeneration: The more common form caused by the thinning of the macula.
- Wet Macular Degeneration: A less common but more severe form where abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leading to rapid vision loss.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of macular degeneration isn’t fully understood, several factors can increase your risk, including:
- Age: Most common in adults over 50.
- Family History: A genetic predisposition can increase your likelihood of developing the condition.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
- Health Conditions: High blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
- UV Exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light without proper eye protection.
What are the Common Signs of AMD?
Macular degeneration develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, you may experience:
- Blurred or distorted central vision.
- Difficulty recognizing faces.
- Dark or empty spots in your central vision.
- Reduced brightness or clarity of colors.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a retinal evaluation at Shamrock Family Eye Care.
How AMD Gets Diagnosed
At Shamrock Family Eye Care, we conduct thorough and advanced eye exams for all our patients, including a detailed retinal evaluation. If you are at risk or within the age range for macular degeneration, we tailor your exam to focus more on detecting and monitoring this condition.
- Dilated Eye Exams: Allows us to examine the macula and detect early signs of degeneration.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides high-resolution images of the retina to identify thinning or swelling.
- Fundus Photography: Captures detailed images of the retina for ongoing monitoring.
- Amsler Grid Test: A simple test to detect distortions or blind spots in your central vision.
Managing Macular Degeneration in Dublin
Regular monitoring and management are key to slowing the progression of macular degeneration. Strategies include:
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Encouraging a diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and antioxidants, along with regular exercise.
- Medications: Anti-VEGF injections to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth in wet macular degeneration.
- Visual Aids: Magnifiers, specialized glasses, and other tools can be recommended to enhance your remaining vision.
EyePromise Supplements
In some cases we may recommend EyePromise supplements, a clinically-proven way to support macular health and reduce the risk of AMD progression. Formulated with essential nutrients like zeaxanthin and lutein, EyePromise works to strengthen the macula, enhance visual performance, and protect your eyes from harmful blue light and oxidative stress.
Your Partner in Optimal Eye Health
Your vision is too important to take for granted. Schedule a retinal evaluation at Shamrock Family Eye Care and take proactive steps to protect your sight. With early detection and expert care, we’re here to help you manage macular degeneration and maintain your quality of life.