Macular Degeneration Treatment in Campbelltown PA

If you are over age 60, you might be experiencing symptoms from a common condition known as age-related macular degeneration. This condition causes a loss of central vision because it affects light-sensign cells in the retina. Sadly, AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States today. Eye exams are crucial in detecting AMD, so if it has been a while since your last exam, come see the professionals at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania. If you do have AMD, and you are in Campbelltown PA, macular degeneration treatment is available nearby at our Lebanon office.

AMD Disease

AMD affects the part of the macula, a part of the retina that has light-sensitive cells. With AMD, damage to the macula occurs when abnormal protein deposits called drusen form. Sharp central vision then becomes clouded creating the central blind spot characteristic of this disease.

Both wet and dry forms of AMD exist. The dry form is much more common and accounts for the majority of AMD cases. Wet AMD is a rapid onset disease which is rare. It is important to know that central vision loss occurs with both forms of AMD.

Genetics do play a role in AMD, but so does nutrition. Vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene and minerals like zinc and copper reduce your risk of vision loss. AREDS formulations of vitamins are good and also include omega-3 fatty acids, lutein and zeaxanthin, also nutrients important to eye health. Our team can recommend the right vitamin for your needs.

AMD Treatment

There are several treatment options for AMD, and the one best for you depends on the form and severity of AMD that you have. Our treatments are designed to prevent any further loss of vision and to preserve the remaining vision you do have.

One treatment is photodynamic therapy (PDT), a safe and effective treatment that uses a light-sensitive drug to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels near the macula. These medications are called anti-angiogenics and they stop new blood vessels from forming. They also stop the leaking from any abnormal blood vessels that have already formed in the case of wet AMD. The medication is injected into an arm vein and gets absorbed by the eye’s blood vessels. The doctor then activates the medication with a light and the activated substance stops the abnormal blood vessel growth. Treatments often must be repeated over time, but it is perfectly safe to do so.

Our doctors may suggest laser therapy in certain cases. This therapy involves use of a high-energy laser to stop blood vessel growth.

We can also provide you with vision aids that help in low vision cases to enlarge nearby objects.

Come see us

Macular degeneration is very prevalent in adults over age 75. While there is no cure for AMD, our treatments are designed to slow the disease and halt further vision loss. The board-certified doctors at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania are ready to have you as a new patient. Come in and talk to us about managing your condition. Our macular degeneration treatment for patients in Campbelltown 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.