Macular Degeneration Injections and Treatment
Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration or AMD, is an eye disease that affects the retina and causes central vision loss. AMD primarily impacts adults over the age of 50 and is the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S.
The retina specialists at CVP Physicians Dayton have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating macular degeneration, whether through lifestyle modifications or injections. We proudly serve Dayton, Springboro, and surrounding communities in Ohio to support healthy vision as you age.
What Causes Macular Degeneration and Why Treat It at CVP?
There are two types of macular degeneration: Non-neovascular, which is called dry macular degeneration, and neovascular, which is called wet macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration is the more common type, accounting for up to 90% of cases. The dry type of this disorder occurs when the macular tissues of the eye become thinner due to aging. Dry macular degeneration is typically considered an early form of the disease. On the other hand, wet macular degeneration is the advanced form where abnormal blood vessels develop beneath the macula. If left untreated, it causes permanent vision loss.
CVP Physicians Dayton employs the top retina specialists in Ohio to care for the eye health of patients in the Dayton, Springboro, and Greater Ohio areas. Our experts can help you diagnose AMD and find a treatment that best slows the progression of vision loss. To determine the best path forward for your eye health, schedule your appointment today.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a progressive disease, and in the early stages, patients often don’t notice any symptoms. This makes it essential to have a yearly comprehensive eye exam to detect and diagnose AMD before it causes permanent vision loss. Symptoms may include:
- Distorted or fuzzy vision
- The appearance of shadows in your central vision
- Changes in the way you perceive colors
- Inability to see fine details
- Blind spots in your central vision
- Straight lines begin to appear crooked or wavy
What are the Stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Anyone can develop macular degeneration as they age, but the disease typically progresses through three stages. There is a genetic component to the disease, and people with fair skin and light eyes are more prone to macular degeneration. Other risk factors include obesity, consuming a diet high in saturated fats, smoking cigarettes, high cholesterol or blood pressure, and excessive sun exposure.
1. Early-Stage AMD
The first stage of age-related macular degeneration typically shows no symptoms, with patients experiencing no vision loss yet. The eye care experts at CVP Physicians Dayton can diagnose AMD at this stage based on the increased presence of medium-sized drusen, or yellow deposits under the retina. Diagnosing AMD during the early stage provides the best chances for minimized vision loss in the future.
2. Intermediate-Stage AMD
When a patient reaches the intermediate stage of age-related macular degeneration, larger drusen have built up under the retina and there may be a change to the patient’s retinal pigment. While some patients in this stage may experience small gaps in their vision, most do not experience any significant vision loss.
3. Late-Stage AMD
During late-stage AMD, enough damage has been done to the macula for the patient to experience significant vision loss. In dry AMD, the macular tissue degenerates, while in wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow. Wet AMD progresses more rapidly than the dry form and the newly developed blood vessels may leak blood and fluid, causing permanent vision loss. In the dry type, vision loss occurs more gradually, but approximately 10% of patients with dry AMD later develop the wet form.
How is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?
The macular degeneration experts at CVP Physicians Dayton may be able to detect the early signs of AMD through a regular eye exam while the patient is still asymptomatic, making it critical that you continue to get annual eye exams. Tests may include:
- Visual acuity test
- Physical examination of the back of the eye after dilation
- Amsler grid test for central vision
- Fluorescein angiogram (blood vessels are highlighted)
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
During your eye exam at CVP Physicians Dayton, our ophthalmologists will look for pigment changes under the retina and any drusen build-up. Whether you’re visiting us for your yearly eye exam or have noticed symptoms of AMD, treating it as early as possible can help prevent serious vision loss.
How We Treat Macular Degeneration at CVP Physicians Dayton
While there is no cure for macular degeneration, CVP Physicians Dayton offers several treatment options that can help manage the disease and slow the progression of vision loss. Our expert ophthalmologists work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your unique case of AMD.
If you are diagnosed with dry macular degeneration, our doctors will often recommend lifestyle changes and supplements that may slow vision loss and will monitor your disease as you age. If you have wet AMD, we offer intraocular injections of vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Your doctor may also recommend photodynamic therapy, which uses lasers to control the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Each patient is unique, so to find the best treatment for you, schedule your appointment with CVP Physicians Dayton today.
Convenient Locations in and around Dayton
We Look Forward to Seeing You!
89 Sylvania Drive
Dayton OH, 45440
6601 Centerville Business Parkway
Dayton OH, 45459
77 East Woodbury Drive
Dayton OH, 45415
580 North Main Street
Springboro OH, 45066
1861 Towne Park Drive
Troy OH, 45373
Book an Appointment with Our Macular Degeneration Doctors
The macular degeneration specialists at our Dayton, Springboro, and Greater Ohio eye care clinics effectively manage AMD by offering personalized care and the most advanced treatment options. Fill out the form below to schedule your appointment.
The doctors at CVP Physicians Dayton have either authored or reviewed the content on this site.