Macular Degeneration Care from North Bay Vision Center
Macular degeneration is a common eye disease seen in older adults. As we age, the retina is more prone to damage and can negatively affect vision. If macular degeneration is suspected, prompt optometry care is needed since permanent vision loss can occur. North Bay Vision Center in Rohnert Park is available to help patients with suspected macular degeneration.
Macular Degeneration Types
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in all adults. Millions of Americans are diagnosed with this condition each year at optometry practices all across the country. Although macular degeneration is not reversible, an optometrist can help ease symptoms and possibly slow down the progression of the disease.
The two main types of macular degeneration are dry and wet.
Dry: Dry macular degeneration is characterized by yellow deposits that form in the retina. These deposits are called drusen and may not initially impact vision. However, if drusen grow larger and increase in number, a person’s vision can be affected. Patient may notice a dimming effect to their vision and have difficulty reading. During advanced states of the disease, blind spots may occur and central vision is eventually lost.
Wet: Wet macular degeneration is less common than dry, as it is a more advanced form of the same disease. Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels form beneath the retina. The vessels can leak blood or other fluids in the eye, eventually leading to scarring in the retina. Early symptoms usually include distorted vision that makes you see wavy lines instead of straight lines. This scarring eventually leads to permanent loss of central vision.
Optometry Treatment for Macular Degeneration
In many cases, macular degeneration is found during a routine optometry visit. Your eye doctor will notice the drusen under the retina. An Amsler grid can also be used to diagnose macular degeneration. An Amsler grid resembles a monotone checkerboard with lines that are actually straight, but appear wavy to macular degeneration patients.
A regular checkup is needed with an eye doctor once you’ve been diagnosed with macular degeneration. The optometrist will monitor your condition and see how quickly the disease is progressing. Certain medications and laser therapies may be used to stop the development of new blood vessels or destroy actively growing ones in the eye.
Get Help from an Optometrist for Macular Degeneration
Contact North Bay Vision Center in Rohnert Park today for more information about macular degeneration from our optometrist team. Schedule an appointment with a caring and experienced eye doctor from our practice to start the screening process for macular degeneration. Our number is