About Macular Degeneration - RGB Eye Associates; Sherman, TX

Age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD, is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. It is a common eye disease associated with aging that gradually and painlessly destroys sharp, central vision. People over the age of 65 are more likely to be diagnosed with AMD; and more women than men get the disease. Other risk factors include having a family member with AMD, smoking, high blood pressure, farsightedness, and obesity.

The "macula" is the light-sensitive part of the retina responsible for clear sharp vision in the central visual field. While patients with glaucoma report "tunnel" vision, patients with AMD report the opposite. Their peripheral vision remains intact, but there is a hole in the center of their visual field.

There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. In the "wet" form of AMD, abnormal tiny blood vessels behind the retina grow toward the macula, leaking blood and fluid, which causes rapid and severe vision loss and often renders the patient legally blind.

The most common form (approximately 90%) of macular degeneration is "Dry AMD." It is also the less serious form, however, without proper treatment, dry macular degeneration can easily become wet macular degeneration or "Wet AMD."

Early warning signs of AMD including blurry, dark or missing areas in the center of the vision; colors beginning to look different; or straight lines beginning to appear wavy. A general decline in vision may also indicate the beginning of a problem so it's important to get an eye examination from an ophthalmologist as soon as any changes in vision are noted.

Treatment: Currently, no treatment exists for Dry AMD. It is recommended that people who are at risk for macular degeneration eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, exercise regularly, and stop smoking.

However, an exciting breakthrough in treatment for wet macular degeneration is producing excellent results! Avastin injections for macular degeneration are now available right here in Texomaland for Dennison/Sherman, TX residents and those in Ada, Ardmore and southern, Ok and north Texas. Please click on our Avastin page to learn more.

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms of macular degeneration, please call RGB eye doctors today: 903.892.3282