Macular Degeneration in Myerstown, PA

For treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in Myerstown, PA, get in touch with Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania to schedule an evaluation.  The retina specialists in our Lebanon, PA office can help slow the progress of the disease and possibly improve your vision.

The staff at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania in Lebanon 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 and have vast clinical experience in a wide variety of eye disease and surgical services, including AMD.

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

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that leads to the gradual loss of central vision. The condition damages the macula, the area near the center of the retina that is required for sharp vision. This part of the eye enables you to see details clearly and is essential for tasks such as reading, driving, and even recognizing faces.

Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss among adults over 50 years of age. It typically comes in two forms – wet and dry. Dry AMD is the most common form. Wet AMD is less common and more severe. Only a comprehensive dilated eye exam can detect AMD.

Are You Experiencing the Symptoms of AMD?

AMD usually produces a gradual loss of vision without pain or discomfort. In rare cases, however, vision loss can be sudden. If you experience any of the following symptoms, get in touch with Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania as soon as possible.

• Normally straight lines appear wavy or bent
• A dark or blind spot in the center of your field of vision
• Increasing blurriness of printed words
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• Difficulty distinguishing colors
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Loss of depth perception

Macular degeneration may affect one eye and not the other. If only one eye is affected, you may not notice any vision changes because your good eye compensates for any vision loss or distortion. Without regular eye exams, the vision changes may not be apparent until the second eye becomes affected.

How Do We Treat AMD?

If your eye doctor finds that you have AMD, the treatment will depend on which stage the disease is in and whether it is the dry form or the more advanced wet form.

Dry AMD – Currently, there is no form of medical treatment for dry AMD that can prevent vision loss. Studies by the National Eye Institute have indicated that taking certain vitamins and minerals might reduce the risk of developing advanced AMD.

Wet AMD – This less common but more serious form of AMD can be treated with laser surgery, photodynamic therapy (PDT) with or without injection of steroids into the eye, and the painless injection of drugs that attempt to stop abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. However, the disease and loss of vision may still progress even with treatment.

For more information about macular degeneration and the available treatment options for patients in Myerstown, PA, contact Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania for an evaluation. We have five convenient locations in Lebanon, Wyomissing, Pottsville, Pottstown and Blandon.