Macular Degeneration Wilmington, NC

Age-related macular degeneration, sometimes called AMD for short, affects about 11 million Americans. Here’s what you need to know about this leading cause of vision loss.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration happens when the center of your retina, called the macula, degrades over time. The vast majority of cases are considered “dry” type, meaning the macula tissue gradually thins and breaks down. Small yellow deposits called drusen often develop behind the macula (although these aren’t considered a cause of macular degeneration).

About 10 percent of macular degeneration cases are “wet” type and usually progress from dry type. In wet macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels grow behind the macula where they leak fluid and scar the macular tissue.

Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration

Risk factors for macular degeneration include smoking, excessive sunlight exposure, advancing age, family history, Caucasian descent, and other underlying health conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Macular Degeneration Signs and Symptoms

There are no symptoms of macular degeneration early on. As the condition worsens, a person might notice issues like light sensitivity, distortion of straight lines, and blurry central vision.

How Our Wilmington Eye Doctor Staff Treats Macular Degeneration

Wilmington eye doctor Dr. Edward Paul has been nationally recognized for his work treating macular degeneration. Along with the rest of his team, Dr. Paul provides innovative, leading-edge services to help people manage their condition and maximize their eyesight, including:

• Prescription eyewear
• Low vision aids and tools
• Medications (including oral medications, eye drops, and injections into the eyes)
• Nutritional supplements and lifestyle recommendations
• Perioperative care for surgical interventions like laser photocoagulation, done to stop leaking blood vessels

Looking for Macular Degeneration Treatment in Wilmington, NC?

Contact the Paul Vision Institute today at (910) 256-6364 to schedule an appointment with an experienced optometrist near you.