Macular Degeneration Treatment from Our Burlington Optometrist

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an extremely common eye disease mostly found in older adults. It affects the central portion of the retina, called the macula, and can cause central vision loss. Our Burlington optometrist regularly sees and treats patients with AMD.

Types of AMD

AMD is believed to be caused by thinning of the tissues and accumulation of pigment in the macula. The more common form, called dry AMD, is diagnosed by our Burlington eye doctor if she sees certain yellowish spots on the macula, called drusen. These spots are believed to form from an accumulation of debris and dead cells.

Wet AMD is the progressive form of AMD. It occurs in about 10 percent of people who have dry AMD. It is a more serious condition that is more likely to lead to severe vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when the body mistakenly builds new blood vessels in the area of the macula, which then leak and cause retinal cells to die off.

The symptoms of both kinds of AMD are blurred or blind spots in the center of your vision. Usually, vision loss due to AMD is slow and painless, and it may be diagnosed at a routine eye exam from our optometrist in Burlington. However, in some cases, the condition can come on suddenly.

Causes and Prevention of AMD

The exact cause of AMD is not known. However, studies have identified several likely or possible risk factors for developing AMD:

• Age
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Inactivity
• Heredity
• Certain drugs
• High blood pressure
• Female
• White

The only known prevention for AMD is controlling the risk factors on this list.

Treating AMD with Our Optometrist in Burlington

Currently, there is no approved treatment for the dry form of AMD. Our optometrist in Burlington may recommend that you simply monitor the situation closely. Some studies have shown a benefit to taking certain supplements, which our Burlington optometrist would be happy to talk to you about.

Drugs and photodynamic therapy can be used to control the growth of excess blood vessels in the eye of people who have wet AMD. Certain drugs have been shown to improve vision in a significant number of people. Our eye doctor in Burlington will be happy to discuss all of the options for treatment with you.

Come to Chroma Optics, Your Eye Doctor in Burlington

Whether you are concerned about AMD or have already been diagnosed, Chroma Optics is here to help. Our eye doctor in Burlington can perform a thorough eye exam to diagnose your eye condition, and then put together a detailed treatment plan for you. To reach our Burlington eye doctor, call (802) 497-1676.