Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration Specialist in Illinois & Iowa
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the retina’s central portion responsible for sharp, detailed vision used in tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. This condition has two primary forms: dry AMD and wet AMD. Dry macular degeneration is the most common type and occurs gradually as the macula’s light-sensitive cells break down over time. Wet AMD, although less common, progresses more rapidly and is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina that leak fluid or blood.
Dry AMD (More Common, Slower):
- Waste products (drusen) build up under the retina
- Light-sensitive cells gradually break down
- Vision becomes gradually blurrier
- May develop a dark spot in central vision
- Can progress to wet AMD
Wet AMD (Less Common, More Serious):
- Abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula
- These vessels leak and cause swelling
- Can cause rapid, severe vision loss
- Straight lines appear wavy or crooked
- Requires immediate treatment
Both types of macular degeneration can severely impair central vision, making early detection critical. If you’ve been diagnosed with AMD or are at risk, our team offers in-depth evaluations and tailored treatment options to help protect your sight.
Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration often begins with subtle symptoms, especially in the early stages. Patients may notice a gradual loss of central vision, difficulty seeing in low light, or straight lines appearing wavy. Over time, these symptoms may worsen and affect one or both eyes. In advanced cases, people may experience a central blind spot that makes everyday activities more challenging.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Call us immediately if you experience:
- Blurry or distorted central vision
- Straight lines appearing wavy
- Dark or gray spots in your central vision
- Colors appearing less bright
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Need for brighter light when reading
If you are experiencing any of these visual changes, we recommend scheduling a comprehensive eye exam as soon as possible. Our team uses high-resolution retinal imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate the macula and determine the extent of damage.
Preserve Your Vision with An Amsler Grid: We’ll give you a simple grid to check your vision daily at home.
Treatments for AMD
Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, early and ongoing treatment can significantly slow its progression. We focus on monitoring and lifestyle recommendations for dry AMD, including nutritional support and regular follow-up imaging. For wet AMD, treatment may involve anti-VEGF injections, which help reduce fluid buildup and slow abnormal blood vessel growth. These injections have helped many patients retain functional vision and avoid more severe vision loss.
Treatments Available for Dry AMD:
- AREDS vitamins can reduce progression risk by 25%. Most beneficial for people who had intermediate dry AMD and for people with advanced AMD. It may only delay the onset of advanced macular degeneration. It is not a cure and it cannot restore vision.
- Regular monitoring to catch conversion to Wet AMD. Use your Amsler grid in between appointments.
- Lifestyle modifications to slow progression
- Smoking (quit now!)
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Poor diet
Treatments Available for Wet AMD:
- Eye injections with anti-VEGF medications
- Done right in our office
- Can stop or slow vision loss
- Some patients even improve
- May need monthly injections
- Laser treatments when appropriate
Important: These are treatments, not cures, but they can preserve the vision you have and sometimes improve it.
Eye Surgeons Associates’ approach to treating macular degeneration is personalized and proactive. We work closely with you to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan to preserve your vision for as long as possible. You can learn more about the additional retina conditions we treat by visiting our retina care services page.