Keene, New Hampshire
Macular Degeneration
Diagnosis & management
Macular Degeneration
Age-related Macular Degeneration, Keene, NH
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of age-related vision loss. It affects the macula which is the part of your eye that processes what you see directly in front of you (your central vision). AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people ages 50 and older.
At New England EyeWorks, our eye doctor can diagnose age-related macular degeneration in its early stages, often before symptoms are noticeable. While there’s no cure for this condition, identifying and addressing it early can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss.
What are the signs of age-related macular degeneration?
In the early stages of AMD, symptoms aren’t noticeable. As the condition progresses, you may notice symptoms like blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, decreased color perception, or the appearance of dark spots or empty spaces in your central vision.
Types of age-related macular degeneration
There are two types of AMD: dry and wet.
- Dry AMD is the most common form of AMD, accounting for around 85-90% of cases. It occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula break down over time, leading to a gradual decline in central vision.
- Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels behind the macula. These vessels may leak blood and fluid into the macula, causing scarring and leading to vision loss.
Treatment for age-related macular degeneration
While there are no current treatments for dry AMD, nutritional supplements can help slow its progression and lower the risk of late-stage or wet AMD. For wet AMD, treatments like photodynamic therapy, laser surgery, and anti-VEGF injections can help prevent vision loss. Our eye doctor can evaluate your vision and eye health and suggest the most suitable treatment for you.
Schedule an eye exam for macular degeneration in Keene
Regular eye exams are essential, especially if you’re at high risk of developing AMD. If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, schedule an appointment at our office in Keene, New Hampshire. Our eye doctor is experienced in diagnosing and treating a range of eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration.