How Do I Know If I Have Macular Degeneration?
By Robert M. Carroll, M.D.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in older Americans. The early stages of the disease may be asymptomatic for many patients, which means a thorough examination by an eye care specialist is required. In order to protect and preserve your eyesight for as long as possible, it is important to understand what AMD is, how it is diagnosed, and what potential options for prevention and treatment may be.
AMD is an age-related disease of the retina, the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye. It specifically targets the macula, the central part of the retina that is responsible for maintaining the middle portion of our field of vision. There are two forms of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD is the most common form and is defined by the buildup of metabolic “waste” known as drusen underneath the retina. Drusen causes the retina to be “lumpy-bumpy” instead of smooth against the back of the eye, and their presence has a negative effect on the retinal cells over time. Dry AMD can progress into an advanced stage known as geographic atrophy, where areas of the retina become very sick and lead to one or more blind spots in your central vision. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the retina like weeds through cracks of a sidewalk. These abnormal blood vessels can leak fluid or bleed into and underneath the retina, causing sudden vision loss.
As mentioned previously, patients with the early form of AMD may have excellent vision and no symptoms. As the disease progresses, though, patients may begin to experience blurry vision, difficulty with night vision, distorted vision, or even severe loss of vision. In order to be evaluated for AMD, you must have a complete eye exam, including dilation. A retina specialist will look directly at your retina for the signs of AMD discussed above, including drusen, atrophy, fluid, or bleeding. Your retina specialist will perform and interpret a diagnostic test known as optical coherence tomography (OCT), which uses light to create a cross-sectional image of your retina, to carefully look for evidence of AMD. Depending on the findings of your examination, other specialized pictures and tests may be recommended to complete your evaluation.
If you are diagnosed with AMD, your retina specialist may recommend one of several monitoring and/or treatment options depending on the stage of your disease. For the earliest stages, sometimes nothing more than regular follow-ups are needed. For other forms, vitamin supplementation, laser therapy, or injections of medication may be recommended to help preserve and potentially even improve your vision. Recently, the FDA has authorized a light-based treatment for certain forms of AMD that is in the early stages of use but may be a promising new option. There are numerous potential new treatments in the pipeline, so it is important to discuss with your retina specialist what options may be available to you now and in the future.
The number one risk factor for the development of AMD is age. Since we have yet to be able to “turn back the clock,” other modifiable risk factors should be optimized, such as smoking cessation, blood pressure control, weight control, and maintaining a diet rich in leafy greens. Certain forms of AMD are known to run in families, so if you have parents or siblings with a history of AMD, it is critical to have an examination of your retina. While AMD is not yet a disease that can be cured, current research strongly supports that early detection and intervention offer the best chance of long-term vision preservation. If you are experiencing the symptoms discussed in this article or are at risk of/have been diagnosed with AMD and would like to schedule an appointment with a retina specialist at Eye Physicians and Surgeons, please call 302-652-3353 or visit www.eyephysicians.com.
Bio
Robert M. Carroll, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained retina specialist who focuses on the evaluation and treatment of patients with retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular disease, and posterior uveitis. He also performs retinal surgery to treat retinal detachment, macular holes and puckers, complications from diabetes, and secondary intraocular lenses.
Dr. Carroll completed his undergraduate degree in biochemistry with honors at the University of Notre Dame and earned his medical degree at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He completed his internship at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, residency in ophthalmology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at the Scheie Eye Institute of the University of Pennsylvania where he was recognized with the Fellow Excellence in Teaching Award. In addition to working at Eye Physicians and Surgeons, he also provides care for our nation’s veterans at the Wilmington, Delaware VA Medical Center.
An Eagle Scout, Dr. Carroll prides himself on humbly serving his patients by putting their needs first in the preservation and restoration of their vision. He considers it a true privilege to be afforded the opportunity to care for others, striving to create a comfortable, compassionate, and well-informed relationship with his patients. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists and has maintained an active academic interest, publishing in and serving as a reviewer for several ophthalmology journals as well as teaching optometry and ophthalmology students, residents, and fellows. Dr. Carroll sees patients in both Wilmington and Newark and is trained in the most up-to-date methods of diagnosing and treating retinal disease, including intravitreal injections, retinal lasers, and advanced retinal imaging.
Eye Physicians & Surgeons, P.A. 1207 North Scott Street, Wilmington, Delaware 302-652-3353 eyephysicians.com
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