Has your eye doctor in Elkridge, MD, told you that you have macular degeneration? If so, you probably want to know everything about it so you know what to expect.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is usually referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but they are both the same thing. AMD is an eye disease that damages the central part of your eye.

AMD will gradually cause you to lose your sharp central vision, making it hard to clearly see things in front of you and perform daily activities like driving and reading. Unfortunately, AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in older people. Macular degeneration might only affect one of your eyes, or it could affect both of your eyes in varying levels of severity. However, people rarely go blind from AMD.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

The causes of macular degeneration are unknown. However, there are several risk factors that are thought to contribute to this condition.

• Age (this is the most common)
• Smoking
• Poor diet
• Family history
• Race (more common in white people)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Regular use of antacids
• Vitamin D deficiency
• High blood pressure

The Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

The symptoms of macular degeneration include diabetes, infections, head injuries, and a poor diet lacking the nutrients your body needs.

The Two Kinds of Macular Degeneration

• Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration is the most prevalent. About 90% of people have this form. Dry macular degeneration is when small built-up protein deposits under your macula dry out and cause it to thin.

• Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet macular degeneration happens when abnormal blood vessels form under your retina and macula. Those blood vessels ooze fluid and blood. This causes you to see dark spots in the center of your vision. This is the most severe type. It often happens quickly and can result in the total loss of your central vision.

How Is Macular Degeneration Treated?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for macular degeneration. However, the condition can be managed with nutritional supplements, photodynamic therapy, medications, and laser therapy. Your eye doctor can help you with a customized plan and macular degeneration treatments in Elkridge, MD.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Eye Doctor in Elkridge, MD?

If you have AMD and need an eye doctor in Elkridge, MD, or any of the surrounding areas, please Contact Dr. Jan Eye Care today. We specialize in macular degeneration treatments and have state-of-the-art equipment and technology to cater to your specific needs. So, reach out to schedule an exam and we will do everything in our power to provide a comfortable and relaxing experience.