Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is an eye disease that causes central vision loss.

There are two forms of Macular degeneration and both can cause vision loss in the center of the field of vision.
In dry macular degeneration there is loss of central vision without any explanation. With wet macular degeneration blood vessels leak and grow under the retina pushing it forward which ultimately causes vision loss.

There is no known surgical treatment for dry Macular Degeneration, however, Eye Vitamins can help curtail and prolong useful vision. The NEI recommends the AREDS 2 Formulation, however, there are some studies that indicate that other formulations are more effective. Macuhealth and PRN Omegahealth both have forumulations with less zinc and high in Xanthine, Zeaxanthine, and MesoZeaxanthine. The Mesozeaxanthine is only found in the central macula and any vitamins that contain this pigment is recommended.

Wet Macular Degeneration can be treated with Intra-Retinal injections of Anti-VEGF medications. VEGF stands for Vascular Epithelial Growth Factor and it is released causing blood vessels to grow where and when they shouldn’t. Avastin, Lucentis and Eyelea are all different medications to treat Macular Degeneration and can help actually restore vision if caught in time.

Our office has a new tool that can detect early changes in the macula that can be attributed to Macular Degeneration. MacuLogix manufactures an instrument call AdaptDx which is a virtual reality device style headset that can predict Macular Degeneration. In most cases the procedure is covered by insurance. Please call the office today to schedule an appointment if you have a family history of this eye disease.