Macular Degeneration Treatment in Palmyra, PA

Individuals who live or work in Palmyra, PA can take advantage of state-of-the-art macular degeneration treatment from the highly skilled retina specialists at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania in our convenient office in Lebanon.

Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania provides care for macular degeneration (AMD) in Lebanon, Berks, Lancaster, Montgomery and Schuylkill counties, using the latest techniques and treatments. Our doctors are board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and continually update their skills and knowledge to offer patients the latest advancements in eye care., The team in the Lebanon office is led by Michael Cusick, MD and Anastasia Traband, MD.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina that enables you to see fine detail to read or drive. There are two forms of AMD – wet and dry.

Dry AMD is more common than wet AMD, and nearly 90% of AMD patients are diagnosed with this form of the disease. It is diagnosed when yellowish deposits known as drusen begin to accumulate in and around the macula. Drusen are often found in people over age 50.

Wet AMD is considered an advanced form of AMD and occurs when new blood vessels grow underneath the retina and leak blood and fluid. This causes permanent damage to light-sensitive retinal cells and creates blind spots in the central vision. The wet form of AMD usually leads to more serious vision loss.

How is Macular Degeneration Detected?

AMD is detected during a comprehensive dilated eye exam which includes a visual acuity test that measures how well you see at various distances. In the dilated eye exam, drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of AMD and other eye problems.

How is Macular Degeneration Treated?

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 that can prevent vision loss for dry AMD. 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 more serious, and less common, 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.

If you live or work in Palmyra, PA and would like more information about macular degeneration treatment, contact the retinal specialists at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania.  We have five convenient locations in Lebanon, Pottstown, Pottsville, Blandon and Wyomissing.