Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a chronic, age-related, degenerative disease of the macula. The macula is a very small and specialized area in the center of the retina. The macula allows you to see fine details directly in front of you such as words in a book or images on television. So while the entire retina lets you see that there is a book in front of you, the macula lets you see what is written in the book.

There are two types of AMD, Dry AMD and Wet AMD. Dry AMD progresses quite slowly and is usually less severe than the wet type. Both types damage the macula and both can take away your central vision, which means that images you see directly in front of you.

Because AMD affects only your central vision, you won’t ever be totally blind. You will still have your peripheral, or side vision.

Early detection and intervention is key to preventing or delaying vision loss. In the case of dry AMD, unless it’s detected in a routine eye exam, you may not even realize that you have the disease until it reaches an advanced stage. This is due to its usually slow and painless progression over a period of years and the ability of one eye to compensate for any weakness in the other. On the other hand, wet AMD can strike with alarming speed, causing severe and irreversible central blindness, often within months, sometimes even weeks.

The symptoms of Wet AMD are blurred vision; straight lines appear wavy or distorted, and blank spots in central vision. If you already have dry AMD, you might first notice a change on the Amsler Grid test.

The Amsler Grid is a useful and simple tool for monitoring your central vision. It’s a test that you can do at home. Its regular use will alert you to any changes in your vision. Click here to download

Current Treatments for Wet AMD include laser, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and Avastin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interior Retina, Kamloops, B.C., Canada, Dr. Peter Hopp, argon laser treatments for diabetic retinopathy, branch retinal vein occlusions, clinically significant macular edema, central serous retinopathy, lattice degeneration, macular edema and retinal tears, retinal detachments, vitreous hemorrhages, dropped nucleuses, macular holes

laser treatment of the retina, laser treatment for glaucoma, laser treatment for diabetic eye disease, laser treatment for certain types of macular degeneration,surgery for cataracts, retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, diabetic retinal disease,vitreous hemorrhages, chalazion excision, entropion, other miscellaneous retinal and vitreous disorders

Interior Retina, Kamloops, B.C., Canada, Dr. Peter Hopp, argon laser treatments for diabetic retinopathy, branch retinal vein occlusions, clinically significant macular edema, central serous retinopathy, lattice degeneration, macular edema and retinal tears, retinal detachments, vitreous hemorrhages, dropped nucleuses, macular holes

Interior Retina provides treatment and management of glaucoma, iritis, scleritis, vein/artery occlusions, diabetic eye diseases, corneal abrasions, double vision, floaters, optic neuritis, uveitis and after-cataracts.