About Vision Loss from Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age Related Macular Degeneration or AMD causes a loss of central vision but leaves peripheral or side vision intact. There are two types of AMD-Dry AMD & Wet AMD, each of which as a different effect on vision loss. Dry AMD accounts for some 85-90% of the cases of macular degeneration and causes a slow, progressive dimming or blurring of vision. Wet AMD is characterized by formation of new fragile unhealthy blood vessels under the center of the retina-called the macula. These blood vessels are quite susceptible to breaking and bleeding which leads to scarring and irreversible damage to macula-often with quick or sudden catastrophic vision loss. The key to avoiding vision loss from age related macular degeneration is early detection, diagnosis and treatment-and thus the need for regular eye exams.
Protecting & Preserving Vision from Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Patients can often reduce their risk of developing AMD by not smoking as well as working to eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables, avoiding foods with trans fats, limiting alcohol consultation where possible, avoiding aspirin, exercising and controlling blood pressure and weight. In addition, once you are over 50, it becomes increasingly important to have a thorough, comprehensive dilated eye exam every one to two years-and even more often if you have any family history of AMD or at the recommendation of your eye doctor. The key to preventing vision loss from AMD is clearly early detection, quick diagnosis and then immediate access to treatment with vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGF) injections such as Lucentis® & Eylea®.
If you or someone you know has a question about age related macular degeneration (AMD) the risks of AMD or how to avoid vision loss from AMD, please call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an appointment.
The Eye Care & Surgery Center is staffed by a team of Board Certified NJ Ophthalmologists who are subspecialty Fellowship trained New Jersey eye surgeons, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, surgery for cataracts, intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, reconstructive and cosmetic facial surgery including eyelid surgery and facial and skin rejuvenation as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.
With locations at 592 Springfield Avenue, Westfield, New Jersey 07090, 10 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, New Jersey 07059 and 517 Route One South, Suite 1100, Iselin, New Jersey 08830, The Eye Care & Surgery Center is a leading NJ eye care practice conveniently located for patients from throughout central and northern New Jersey.
