Empowering Lives Through Macular Degeneration Care
Living with macular degeneration can be challenging. Discover personalized care plans, expert guidance, and a supportive environment at Meridian Ophthalmic Associates PA. Let's navigate this disease together for brighter, clearer vision.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is an eye condition that impacts the macula, a crucial part of the retina essential for clear, central vision. The macula progressively breaks down with this disease, leading to central vision loss.
There are two primary types: dry, characterized by a gradual deterioration of the macula, and wet, involving abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the macula.
While age-related macular degeneration (AMD) primarily affects older adults, a different form of the disease can affect children. This is known as juvenile macular degeneration or Stargardt disease. Stargardt disease is a genetic disorder that typically manifests in late childhood or adolescence.
What Factors Contribute to Macular Degeneration?
The exact cause of macular degeneration is not fully understood. Still, several factors may contribute to the development and progression of the disease:
- Age
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Race (caucasian)
- Gender (women)
- Conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease
- Poor nutrition
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight
What Signs Should You Watch For?
Macular degeneration can exhibit various symptoms, which may differ between the dry and wet forms of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Straight lines may appear wavy or distorted
- Central vision loss
- Struggling to read
- Struggling to recognize faces
- Dark or empty areas in the vision
- Difficulty seeing fine detail
- Colors appear less vibrant
- Difficulty adjusting to low light
While dry AMD progresses slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, wet AMD can lead to sudden and severe vision changes.
Supporting Patients With Macular Degeneration at Meridian Ophthalmic Associates PA
Macular degeneration is a chronic, progressive condition, and there is currently no cure for it. Nevertheless, various treatment approaches can help manage and slow its progression.
Our team provides expert advice and guidance on possible treatment options. We understand the importance of personalized care; therefore, we refer our patients to trusted specialists who can provide the necessary expertise and support for managing macular degeneration effectively.
If you or a loved one is grappling with macular degeneration, our Meridian team can help. Schedule a consultation to learn more.
