What to Ask your Macular Degeneration Ophthalmologist

Macular degeneration is a serious condition that requires specialist care. If you’ve been diagnosed, then you’ll likely have many unanswered questions—it’ll naturally be a huge worry to have a condition that can threaten your vision.

It’s human nature to be concerned, but this often translates into forgetting what you want to ask when you’re with your ophthalmologist. The following lists many of the important FAQs. Remember, everyone’s condition is unique. If you have any others, write them down and take a list to your next appointment.

5 Macular Degeneration FAQs

Macular degeneration FAQ #1: What type do I have?

Macular degeneration FAQ #2: What are the potential outcomes?

Macular degeneration FAQ #3: What treatment is available?

Macular degeneration FAQ #4: Will I eventually lose my sight?

Macular degeneration FAQ #5: Are there any lifestyle changes that will help?

Macular degeneration FAQ #:1 What type do I have?

Macular degeneration is usually associated with advancing age. This is known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, it can rarely occur at a younger age. When this happens it’s usually down to genetics. It can also affect people of any age who’re severely shortsighted as a result of the anatomy of the eye.

No matter when it occurs, it will be one of two types. This is the question you need to ask your eye doctor. The two types are:

• Wet macular degeneration: This is the least common type, accounting for around 15% of those diagnosed. 
• Dry macular degeneration: This is much more common, although as it worsens it can–in some cases—progress to the wet form.

Macular degeneration FAQ #:2: What are the potential outcomes

Macular degeneration doesn’t cause total blindness. Instead, it affects the central area of your vision. Over time this may get worse. Dry macular degeneration progresses very slowly—typically over many years. The wet form can occur much faster, over months or even weeks.

Macular degeneration FAQ #:3: What treatment is available?

Dry macular degeneration is usually treated with visual aids. These include:

• Eyeglasses and lenses
• Using magnifying items 
• Increasing the lighting in your home
• There are macular degeneration software aids that can make using a computer or cell phone easier

For those with the wet form, there are various therapies available to help slow the progression. 

• Intraocular injections: These are given every 1-2 months and are very successful in around 90% of cases. In some cases it goes further than halting the disease, even improving vision for around 30% of people.
• Photodynamic therapy: A laser is used to destroy the diseased tissues (abnormal blood vessels) that form when you have the condition. It’s carried out under local anesthetic and might be performed in conjunction with intraocular injections.

Macular degeneration FAQ #:4: Will I eventually lose my sight?

The condition doesn’t tend to evolve into total blindness. However, it can have a significant impact on your quality of life as it progresses.

Macular degeneration FAQ #:5: Are there any lifestyle changes that will help?

Definitely! Recent research has shown that you can reduce the risk of developing the advanced stage of the disease using a high-dose combination of various vitamins (C & E), along with zinc, copper, and beta-carotene. However, it’s important to only do this in conjunction with your ophthalmologist’s advice.

Very often, AMD is linked to an unhealthy lifestyle. Keeping your weight within a normal range, eating healthily, taking exercise, and—if you smoke—quitting, might all help reduce the speed of progression.

Get the Best Macular Degeneration Care at the West Boca Eye Center

The key to treating macular degeneration is to partner with an ophthalmologist who specializes in treating the condition. The WBEC is a leading, academic-grade facility that provides the latest cutting-edge treatment for both genetic and age-related macular degeneration.

Don’t entrust your precious vision to anyone other than the best. Visit 

https://westbocaeyecenter.com/services/macular-degeneration/ to discover more and call today to book a consultation