Macular Degeneration

Optometrist & Specialty Contact Lenses Professional & Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist located in Anthem, AZ

Macular Degeneration services offered in Anthem, AZ

Without close monitoring, macular degeneration can cause significant vision loss. If you haven’t had an eye exam recently or develop symptoms of macular degeneration, visit Dr. Thuy Yath, and her team at Better Vision Eyecare in Anthem, Arizona. They offer the latest diagnostic tools for macular degeneration that can save your sight. Booking an appointment for your eye care is easy. Call Better Vision Eyecare today and speak to one of their team members, who will answer your questions or concerns and, if applicable, verify your benefits coverage. You can also schedule an appointment online for first-rate macular degeneration management!

Macular Degeneration Q & A

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration affects the macula, a sensitive part of your eye’s retina. The macula is vital to your central vision, allowing you to read, recognize faces, and drive. It deteriorates as you age, causing vision changes.

The two primary forms of macular degeneration are:

Dry macular degeneration

Dry macular degeneration is the form you’re most likely to develop. The breakdown of macular tissue causes yellowish spots, drusen, in the macula. Dry macular degeneration doesn’t usually lead to severe sight loss.

Wet macular degeneration

Wet macular degeneration is rarer than dry macular degeneration but causes more severe damage. It develops when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of your retina. These tiny vessels leak blood and fluid that can permanently damage the macula’s light-sensitive cells.

Why would I get macular degeneration?

Everyone’s eyes deteriorate over time, but your risk of macular degeneration increases if you:

Smoke
Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
Carry excess body weight
Have light-colored eyes
Have a family history of macular degeneration

Macular degeneration isn’t painful. The changes in your vision happen slowly, so you might be unaware there’s a problem to begin with.

How is macular degeneration diagnosed?

When you visit Better Vision Eyecare, you undergo a thorough exam to assess your:

Visual acuity
Central vision
Optic nerve health
Retinal changes

Better Vision Eyecare offers specialized testing, including a specific macular visual field test and deep scan photos of the macula. Your eye doctor uses these photos to monitor the change in your eyes between exams.

How is macular degeneration treated?

Macular degeneration isn’t curable but is manageable with timely treatment.

The Better Vision Eyecare team might offer advice on changing your diet and having a more active lifestyle to slow down or stop further tissue damage. Food supplements that can help include:

Vitamin C
Zinc
Vitamin E
Copper
Lutein and zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants — substances that protect your cells from damage. In eye care, they promote better vision and help prevent deterioration caused by macular degeneration.

If you have wet macular degeneration, you might benefit from medications that stop the abnormal blood vessels from growing.

Call Better Vision Eyecare today or book an appointment online to arrange a macular degeneration evaluation before your sight deteriorates.