Macular Degeneration Treatment in Myerstown PA

Have you heard of age-related macular degeneration? AMD is a condition that affects the central part of the retina. AMD is related to age and very common if you are over age 60. If you suspect you have AMD and you are in Myerstown PA, macular degeneration treatment is available nearby at the Lebanon office of Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania.

What is AMD?

Left untreated, AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in America. Sadly, the vision loss is not reversible. There is no cure, and the condition becomes worse over time. Most patients don’t notice AMD until they have significant issues, such as loss of central vision while reading or recognizing faces. Once patients notice a problem, AMD is often in the advanced stages.

AMD affects the part of the retina known as the macula, which contains light-sensitive cells. When a person has AMD, the macula in the eye becomes damaged. Drusen, abnormal protein deposits, form on the macula and destroy the cells. The macula is responsible for sharp central vision. Genetics do play a role in the disease, so it is important to know your family history.

There are two types of AMD: wet and dry. Dry AMD is most common; over 90 percent of AMD cases are the dry form. Wet AMD is much rarer and is also a more advanced form of AMD. Wet AMD results in rapid and severe vision loss because blood vessels near the macula leak into the region and cause extensive permanent damage to the light-sensitive cells.

Both forms of AMD result in a loss of central vision, known as the central “blind spot”. For example, if you are looking at a person, you can make out boundaries like their hair, but cannot easily see the person’s face.

Testing and Treatment

Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting AMD, and our doctors use several diagnostic tests, including a dilated eye exam. The earlier we detect AMD, the better we can treat it to protect your vision.

We conduct a detailed visual acuity test, and use high-resolution images to see the drusen protein formations.

Treatment options depend on whether you have wet or dry AMD and the severity of the disease. All treatments are designed to prevent any further loss of vision and to preserve the remaining vision you do have.

We offer several treatments and therapies for AMD. Anti-VEGF treatment involves an injection of a medication to reduce the growth of blood vessels around the macula to slow the disease progression.

Our board-certified surgeons also perform several laser surgeries to slow the disease progression. Our ophthalmologists are medical doctors who are board-certified to treat all eye diseases including AMD.

Prevalence of AMD

Macular degeneration is age-related and very prevalent in older adults, particularly adults over age 75. In this age group, AMD is the leading cause of vision loss.

At Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania, our board-certified and fellowship trained doctors are ready to be your eye team to diagnose and treat AMD. Our macular degeneration treatment for patients in Myerstown PA is considered the best in the state, so if you have age-related macular degeneration, call us today at 610-378-8500 or visit our Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania website to schedule an appointment.