Macular Degeneration in Annville, PA

If you live or work in Annville, PA, and are interested in the latest treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), schedule a consultation at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania. Our physicians deliver the highest quality eye care in the region at our convenient office in Lebanon, PA.

The staff at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania includes a nationally-recognized team of specialized, board certified ophthalmologists and ophthalmic surgeons who have been trained by some of the most respected medical facilities in the world. These physicians have vast clinical experience in a wide variety of eye disease and surgical services, including AMD. In the Lebanon office, the team is led by Dr. Michael Cusick.

• Meet Michael Cusick, MD
• Meet Anastasia Traband, MD

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

AMD is a degenerative condition that damages the macula, a small spot near the center of the retina that is responsible for the sharp, central vision we need to see objects that are straight ahead. It typically comes in two forms, known as “dry” AMD and “wet” AMD. Dry AMD is the most common form. Wet AMD is less common and more severe.

Although other problems can affect the macula, the condition is referred to as “age-related” because it often occurs as part of the body’s natural aging process and is one of the leading causes of decreased vision in Americans over the age of 50.

Macular degeneration can interfere with everyday activities, including your ability to drive, read, write, see faces clearly, or do close work, such as cooking and repairing things around the house.

How Do We Treat AMD?

There is currently no cure for AMD, but there are treatments that may delay its progress or even improve your vision. Treatments depend on whether the disease is in its early stage, its dry form, or in the more advanced wet form.

Dry AMD – Once Dry AMD has reached an advanced stage, there is no form of treatment that can prevent vision loss. However, studies by the National Eye Institute have indicated that taking certain vitamins and minerals might delay and possibly prevent intermediate AMD from progressing to the advanced stage.

Wet AMD – This more serious, and less common, form of AMD can be treated with injections into the eye, laser surgery and photodynamic therapy; however, the disease and loss of vision may still progress even with treatment.

• Drug Treatment: Over the last decade or so, the FDA has approved several new drugs to treat wet AMD. They can be injected into the eye to block the activity of a growth factor (VEGF) that causes the growth of abnormal new blood vessels. Ongoing injections are required. This drug treatment can help slow down vision loss from AMD and, in some cases, improve sight.
• Laser Surgery: A laser can be used to destroy fragile, leaky blood vessels. Only a small percentage of people with wet AMD can be treated with laser surgery, and the risk of new blood vessels developing after treatment is high. If new blood vessels grow, surgery may have to be repeated.
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): This procedure is rarely used now that there are new drugs available to treat wet AMD. When appropriate, a drug is injected into the patient’s arm and travels through the body to the blood vessels in the eye where it is activated by light. PDT may help stabilize vision, but will not restore lost vision.

For more information about macular degeneration in Annville, PA, get in touch with Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania.  We have five convenient locations in Lebanon, Pottstown, Pottsville, Blandon and Wyomissing.