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Macular Degeneration Treatment

Are you at risk for AMD? What can be done with the test results?

Age-related macular degeneration is a complicated genetic disorder, with many genetic variants and environmental factors that play a role in the development of the disease. In recent years, genetic tests for AMD became widely available for eye doctors to perform, and Dr. Mark Davis, our Rocky River, OH, eye doctor, is pleased to offer this progressive testing.

Genetic testing for AMD shows promise in customizing eye care for patients. If you have an increased risk for this disease, Dr. Davis will provide you with helpful information about the importance of behavioral changes and nutritional treatments for macular degeneration. We may also recommend that you schedule more frequent eye exams in our Rocky River, OH, clinic. Additional research is ongoing, and we are dedicated to staying well informed – so you can benefit from a healthy, long-lasting vision. Contact us for more information about AMD and genetic testing.

Untreated macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in those over 65 years old.

While researchers have not yet discovered a cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there are treatment options which prevent the disease from progressing to blindness, and in some cases, they can even improve vision. It’s important to have an open discussion with your eye doctor about the risks and limitations of AMD treatments.

Types of Macular Degeneration:

There are 2 basic types of AMD, the wet form and the dry form.

  • Dry macular degeneration is considered the less aggressive form of AMD. It typically progresses much more slowly, and the level of eyesight damage is less severe. Dry AMD is detected during routine eye exams, which is why it’s important to have yearly testing. Treating Dry AMD often involves high doses of zinc and antioxidants which have been shown to slow diseases progression.
  • Wet macular degeneration is the more severe form of AMD. It occurs when there is abnormal blood vessel growth (angiogenesis), and leakage, which can cause scar tissue to develop. Treatments include laser surgery, injecting light-sensitive dyes, or AMD medication injected directly into the eye to inhibit angiogenesis.

Learn More

AMD is an age-related eye disease that runs in families and is a leading cause of blindness in our aging population. There is no cure for this ocular disease, and AMD related vision loss is cannot usually be recovered. There are treatments, and preventative measures that can be taken, if detected early, so routine eye exams are essential.

Read more about macular degeneration symptoms and treatment.
Special thanks to the EyeGlass Guide for informational material that aided in the creation of this website. Visit the EyeGlass Guide today!