Macular degeneration is a degenerative eye disease that affects the macula (middle of the retina). There are a number of potential complications of this condition, including falls and fractures, retinal detachment, depression, and Charles Bonnet syndrome. For this reason, it is important to get treated if you suffer from this eye disease. At Wichita Vision Institute in Wichita, KS, Dr. Patel understands the importance of treating this disease.
That’s why, today, we’re taking an in-depth look at the symptoms of this condition. If you don’t know what to look out for, you can’t suspect that you suffer from the disease. We will also advise you on when you should see an eye expert about your symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
There are no universal symptoms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Everyone who suffers from this degenerative eye disease has a unique experience. Among the most common AMD symptoms are:
- Seeing straight lines as wavy
- Trouble recognizing familiar faces
- Blurry vision
- Fuzzy vision
- Blind spots in the center of vision
- A complete loss of central vision
Retinal drusen is another sign that you suffer from AMD. Most of the time, there are no symptoms of drusen, especially if they are small. However, in some cases, people with drusen may experience a loss of peripheral vision or occasional vision graying or flickering. Drusen are usually yellow but may be white. They can be detected during a routine eye exam with dilating eye drops and an ophthalmoscope.
What Are the Types of AMD?
AMD can be broken down into two types, wet AMD and dry AMD. Dry AMD occurs when cells in the macula that are sensitive to light start to decompose. Typically, people with dry AMD start to notice blurriness or fuzziness in their vision in the affected eye. Usually, this vision impairment happens slowly.
Wet AMD is far less common than dry AMD, but it is usually far more severe. People with this condition usually experience rapid vision loss. In the case of wet AMD, vision loss occurs because abnormal blood vessels form under the macula and leak fluid, such as blood. When fluid leaks from the blood vessels in the back of the eye, such symptoms as blurring and central vision blind spots can occur. Typically, the onset of these symptoms is rapid.
When Should I See an Eye Expert?
As a general rule of thumb, if you are over the age of 45, you should get a comprehensive eye exam. Assuming there are no signs of AMD, like retinal drusen or poor vision, you should continue getting routine eye exams every two to four years. If you suffer from AMD, you should use an Amsler grid and check your vision daily. If you notice any significant changes, you should schedule an appointment with an eye expert right away.
How to Use an Amsler Grid
It is highly advisable to hang your Amsler grid somewhere under good lighting. Also, note that it should be hung in a place of prominence where you will see it every day, and remember to test your vision. We recommend hanging your grid on your bathroom mirror or refrigerator door. To use the Amsler grid, stand approximately 12 to 15 inches away from it. If you normally wear reading glasses, wear your reading glasses while taking your vision test.
With one eye covered, look directly at the dot in the middle of the grid. All of the lines should be straight and dark. Take note of whether some of the lines look broken, wavy, dim, or blurry. Then, cover your other eye, repeating the test. Again, take note if the grid looks unusual in any way. If you notice some of the lines are broken or distorted, schedule an emergency appointment with an eye expert.
What Are the Risk Factors of Macular Degeneration?
Age is the most significant risk factor for Macular Degeneration. Typically, this condition affects individuals who are at least 60 years of age. However, age is not the only risk factor for developing this degenerative eye disease. For example, Caucasians are far more likely to develop this condition than other races.
Furthermore, your risk of developing this condition is greater if you smoke, suffer from obesity, have hypertension or high cholesterol, or have a family history of the disease.
How Can I Mitigate My Risk of Severe AMD?
There are a number of steps you can take to mitigate your risk of late-stage dry or wet AMD. For example, the AREDS2 discovered that you can reduce your risk of developing late-stage AMD if you take the following supplements every day:
- Zeaxanthin
- Lutein
- Zinc
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
However, you should know that these supplements were only shown effective in people who had severe vision loss, numerous drusen, or large drusen. If you have not yet developed AMD or only have AMD that is mild in nature. If you only suffer from mild AMD, you may benefit from managing your blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol. You can also benefit from not smoking.
How Is Wet AMD Treated?
One of the most common wet Macular Degeneration treatment methods is the injection of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs into your affected eye. This will slow the leakage of any malfunctioning blood vessels in your eye and reduce the growth of new abnormal vessels.
Another way to treat wet AMD is through photodynamic therapy. This treatment method involves injecting a drug into an arm vein. Once in your arm vein, this drug will be circulated throughout your body via your blood vessels. Eventually, it will reach the blood vessels in your eye and a laser beam will be used to activate the drug. The drug will destroy the damaged blood vessels in your eye, slowing the progression of the disease. Laser surgery can also help.
How Is Dry AMD Treated?
Unfortunately, there is no way to treat dry AMD yet. However, regardless of the type of AMD you have, it is highly advisable to eat foods that are good for your eye health. For example, you should try to incorporate lean fish, yellow and orange produce, and dark, leafy greens into your diet. If you are among the 90% of people with AMD who suffer from dry AMD, Dr. Patel can refer you to a low-vision specialist, so you can make the most out of your vision.
How To Make the Most Out of Low Vision
Different techniques are ideal for different people who suffer from low vision. One technique that may benefit you if you are experiencing vision loss is to use a magnifier when you are reading. The magnifier should be held close to your eye, almost like a telescope or a pair of binoculars, and your book should be held at chest height.
You can also read more easily with low vision if you have strong bifocals. Moreover, you may find reading easier if you get a Kindle Paperwhite. This Kindle was designed for people with low vision, and the glare-free contrast and brightness difference between the original Kindle is phenomenal. Alternatively, you may want to get an Audible subscription, so you can enjoy books without having to struggle to read at all.
Get a Specialized Keyboard
You can also make your life easier if you have low vision by investing in a specialized keyboard. If you need to look at your keyboard to type, you should strongly consider getting a keyboard with large letters or extreme contrast. Also, you may want to look into getting a microphone, so you can use speech-to-text software to type. Text-to-speech software also exists, so you don’t have to read on your computer or phone.
If you want to watch TV on your computer monitor, keep in mind that a hand magnifier is not ideal. Rather, you should strongly consider getting a video magnifier that will magnify the images on your computer monitor significantly.
Get the Information Your Need for Optimum Eye Health
The bottom line is that everyone’s AMD symptoms are different. However, some of the most common signs of this disease are blurry or fuzzy vision, blind spots in the middle of the field of view, and a complete loss of central vision. If you suspect you suffer from this degenerative eye disease, it is important that you come in for testing because ignoring the condition can lead to serious consequences. Contact us today at Wichita Vision Institute in Wichita, KS to learn more.
I Can See Clearly Now
by Don Burrows
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel saved my wife’s vision and mine too. I now live 770 miles from her office and would still make the trip, even if it required a cross-country trip.
I highly recommend Dr. Patel
by Jim Guhl
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel is a physician whose sincere goal is to improve the quality of life for her patients. When I first became a patient under Dr. Patel’s care, I was diagnosed with cataracts in both of my eyes; dry eye syndrome; and astigmatism. Previous records from my Lasik surgery, which occurred 17 years ago, were no longer available. The Lasik surgery documentation was important in determining the exact corrections that now needed to be made to properly correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel wisely recommended I postpone the cataract removal and astigmatism correction procedure, until she received newly developed diagnostic equipment. This newly developed technology would provide her with the most accurate metrics possible. New specialized lens implants were also becoming available, which would correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel explained my chances for a successful outcome would be significantly increased if I would be patient and wait a little longer. Dr. Patel is truly a physician with high integrity and would never perform surgery until she knew it was the right time. She truly cares about providing her patients with the best care she can. Dr. Patel successfully treated my dry eye symptoms with a regiment of eye drops, cleansing techniques and vitamins, which prevented me from requiring more extensive - and more expensive treatment. Prior to the surgery on my right eye, she provided me with sample eye drops from her office and coupons for the eye drops I would need to purchase after my surgery. She did all she could to reduce my expenses. During preparations for right eye surgery, Dr. Patel spent quality time with me explaining the results of my pre-surgery testing and asking questions to determine my vision goals. One of my desires was to once again see the front sight on a pistol. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the firing range, but due to the cataract in my right eye I could no longer see the sights, on my pistol. Although the cataract in my left eye was not as bad yet – I was also experiencing difficulty seeing and firing left handed. Using a blue gun (authentic plastic replica of a Sig P229 pistol), Dr. Patel took additional measurements which she used in determining the correct lens to implant, during my surgery. My right eye surgery took place on November 1, 2017. Two days after the surgery, I happened to glance at my mobile phone and for the first time in 10 years or more, I could read the information on the screen without glasses. I pulled the Sig out of its case and – wow! – The sight picture was there clear as a bell. So the right eye cataract is gone along with the rainbow halos around cars at night and the astigmatism has been corrected better than I dreamed possible. Quality of life restored! The process included the latest diagnostic equipment; the newest technology in an intraocular lens implant; and the use of a laser surgery technique performed by Dr. Patel. Sadly, insurance does not cover much of the cost for the process that produces the optimal results. When it comes to the long term correction of your vision and significant increase in the quality of life it is well worth the investment. Dr. Patel is a very accomplished and highly competent physician and surgeon. I will be forever grateful to her for restoring my vision. I highly recommend Dr. Patel. Jim Guhl Wichita, KS November 13, 2017
In Good Hands
by Luke F.
Category: lasik surgeryTalk about a life changing surgery!!! From the consultation to the surgery I knew I was in good hands. I would recommend WVI to anyone who is considering LASIK. Thanks WVI!
Life Changing!
by Ashley J.
Category: lasik surgeryI love Dr. Patel! After having my dreams crushed at another place when they told me I wasn't a candidate, I went to Dr Patel for a lasik consultation. She is very thorough and gave me information about my eyes that no doctor in almost 20 years has told me. A week ago I had Lasik and it has been life changing! I couldn't be happier and I'm so glad I chose Dr Patel. She truly cares about her patients and her passion shows. The wait time can be very long, but if you are prepared for that ahead of time, you won't be disappointed once you see the doctor. I'm recommending WVI to everyone I know. She is now the only doctor I trust for my eyes.
Impressed with Dr. Patel and Staff
by William D.
Category: cataract surgeryI first saw Dr. Patel about 6 years ago when my left eye wandered to the left side and stayed there. She sent me to the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City for further evaluation. No reason was ever found as to why it did that but it corrected itself after about two months. Since then I have been seeing Dr. Patel regularly. I damaged the left eye in an accident and had to have a vitrectomy performed. She referred me to another specialist Dr. Paul Weishaar and that outcome was also great. The eye did develop a cataract and she performed that surgery a few months ago and suggested a plan for treating dry eyes. It was outstanding and since wearing glasses for over 50 years, I now just wear sunglasses. Simply amazing. Dr. Patel and her staff are the greatest and they know other great professionals if the need arises. They also do charity work and they are all a total blessing to me. I would not even consider going anywhere else. Just gotta love them.
Powered by Crystal Clear Digital Marketing Reviews
