Macular Degeneration Specialist
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Texas Eye Doctors
Comprehensive Ophthalmology Specialists located in McKinney, TX
As the most common cause of vision loss in patients over 65, macular degeneration currently affects more than 10 million Americans. But treatment can successfully stave off the effects of the disease and help to preserve your central vision. By reaching out to the ophthalmology experts at Texas Eye Doctors in McKinney, Texas, you can fight macular degeneration and improve your quality of life. Schedule your visit with Hena Khaja, MD, and her team by phone today, or use the online booking tool.
Macular Degeneration Q & A
What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is the breaking down of your central retina or macula. It affects your central vision, which is necessary for tasks like driving, reading, and safely moving around. In some cases, macular degeneration leads to a total loss of your central vision.
It’s not clear what exactly causes macular degeneration, but there is a link to certain genetic and environmental factors, in addition to smoking and uncontrolled hypertension. It’s most common after 50 years of age and is the leading cause of blindness in patients older than 65.
What are the different types of macular degeneration?
There are two types of macular degeneration: wet and dry.
Dry macular degeneration
Dry macular degeneration makes up roughly 90% of all macular degeneration cases. It occurs when the tissue in your macula begins to deteriorate, becoming thinner and changing color. This deterioration leaves small deposits of waste products (drusen) on your retina, which interferes with your vision.
Dry macular degeneration isn’t as likely to cause permanent vision loss as the wet form, but it can still cause blind spots and blurry vision. It can also lead to a loss of central vision in some instances.
Wet macular degeneration
Wet macular degeneration is the less common type, accounting for roughly 10% of all cases, but its effects are more serious. It causes the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina that leak blood and other fluids, damaging your cells. This damage can cause scar tissue to build up, which can lead to the permanent loss of your central vision. Wet macular degeneration typically develops after a patient has already experienced the dry condition first.
How is macular degeneration treated?
If you’re noticing spots in your central vision, schedule a visit immediately with Texas Eye Doctors.
The practice has highly skilled ophthalmologists who can diagnose and treat your macular degeneration. If your condition is still in the dry phase, your ophthalmologist will suggest nutritional therapy to increase your body’s supply of cell-supporting nutrients. This can be as simple as adding more antioxidants to your diet or prescribing you with dietary supplements.
If your macular degeneration is in the wet phase, Texas Eye Doctors can treat you with intraocular injections of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), a chemical that can stop your body from generating the abnormal blood vessels in your eye. This involves injecting a concentrated dose of medicine directly into your eye with a syringe.
Texas Eye Doctors highly-skilled ophthalmologists make the injection experience as quick, easy, and comfortable for you as possible. The injections take place in-office and typically take less than 30 minutes to complete.
Treatment maximizes your vision and improves your quality of life, and can be helpful no matter what stage of macular degeneration you’re currently experiencing. To get started, schedule a visit today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.
