Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration—sometimes called age-related macular degeneration or AMD—causes damage to the part of the eye that’s responsible for central vision. It tends to affect people in later life, usually those over 65, although symptoms can occur during your 50s or early 60s.

West Boca Eye center | Macular Degeneration

It doesn’t necessarily cause total blindness, but it can affect both near and far vision and, if left untreated, can severely impact everyday activities, such as reading and recognizing faces.

There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Around 90% of all those affected suffer from the former. In Dry AMD, sometimes called non-neovascular AMD or non-exudative AMD, the macular (part of the retina) becomes progressively thinner, causing visual changes that include blurring, decreased central vision, reduced intensity of colors, and less ability to focus in low light.

Before After

How Do I Know if I Need to Find a Macular Degeneration Doctor Near Me?

The natural aging process means that pretty much anyone over the age of 50 will have minor deterioration within the macular. Dry macular degeneration causes deterioration of the retina that forms small deposits beneath the macula. These are called “drusen”. It causes the macula to thin and dry—most people aged 50+ will have at least one small drusen. Very often the condition doesn’t progress past this stage and there will be little or no symptoms.

Read More

This is one reason that everyone aged over 50 might need the services of a macular degeneration specialist. During the early stages, there may be no noticeable, or very minimal, signs.

The condition affects central vision (not peripheral) and can be in one or both eyes. Some of the early signs include:

  • A blurred or distorted area in the center of your vision
  • Colors appearing less bright that
  • Straight lines appear to be wavy or crooked
  • Objects seem smaller than normal
  • Hallucinations

If the early stages are detected during a routine eye exam, it’s vital for the condition to be regularly monitored. There are many tests an ophthalmologist might use to determine any progression, such as:

  • Sight tests: These involve looking at a grid (called an Amsler grid) that’s made up of straight lines. If any are missing or appear crooked or wavy, this can be a sign of macular degeneration.
  • An angiography or OCT: Dye will be injected into the eye and your macular degeneration specialist follows it’s progression through the blood vessels of the eye.

Macular degeneration, especially those with advanced stages of dry AMD or have progressed into wet AMD will need the services of an expert in the treatment of the condition. Searching for the best eye doctors for macular degeneration near me is one of the top online searches for those who need treatment. However, it’s suggested that location alone shouldn’t determine your choice: far better to choose a clinician with whom you feel comfortable and can offer the most advanced treatments as the condition progresses—including cutting-edge procedures that may not be available everywhere.

What Happens During Macular Degeneration Surgery?

Surgery for macular degeneration depends on the type you have dry AMD is more usually treated with visual aids, dietary choices, and vitamin supplements.

Wet AMD can be treated with eye injections, photodynamic therapy/laser surgery.

Read More
  • Eye injections: Your eye will be numbed before treatment so you don’t feel anything or have only minimal discomfort. The injections are given directly into the eye every 1 or 2 months (or for as long as needed). The success rate is high, preventing further deterioration in 9 out of 10 people. 3 out of 10 find their vision improves.
  • Photodynamic therapy/laser surgery: This is used to seal or destroy the blood vessels that have formed behind the retina. This is sometimes used in conjunction with eye injections and is repeated every few months. There are two types of laser treatment—hot laser and cold laser. The hot treatment seals the abnormal vessels and discourages further growth. Cold lasers will be used if there’s an opportunity to destroy the vessels.

Hot laser treatment can cause a tiny blind spot in your vision as it can affect the surrounding tissue, as well as the abnormal vessels. However, if this occurs most people adapt well and learn to ignore it.

Cold laser treatment is used for vessels that have formed in or near the very center of the macula. It doesn’t hurt the surrounding tissue.

Both procedures are carried out under local anesthetic, with drops and/or injections being used to numb the eye. The laser is then aimed at the blood vessels to treat, seal, and/or destroy them. With cold laser treatment, a light-reactive drug will be injected into your arm, and the laser will be used when this moves through your cardiovascular system and reaches the eye. The light (laser) reacts with the drug to close the leaking vessels.Post-procedure it’s usual to have temporary vision problems and you’ll need to avoid bright sunlight. Your macular degeneration specialist will advise on the exact length of recovery time and how to take care of yourself before returning to normal activities.

How Does WBEC Provide the Macular Degeneration Treatment?

The West Boca Eye Center offers some of the most advanced treatments for all kinds of macular degeneration. Run by one of the country’s leading eye specialists, Brent Bellotte MD., the WBEC is an advanced diagnostic and treatment facility that provides a one-stop location for all eye services.

Read More

Bellotte has played a pivotal role in bringing laser treatments to the mainstream and is renowned around the globe for his work in this field. As technology advances, so do treatments for macular degeneration. Boca Raton based, the clinic is a convenient location for anyone who lives in South Florida. Such is Dr. Bellotte’s reputation, many choose to travel from across the nation to take advantage of his expertise.

Whatever form of macular degeneration you suffer from, choosing to be cared for by the WBEC means that your condition will be expertly monitored and treated. The academic level of treatment means that cutting-edge treatments are routinely offered here well before they become mainstream. When it comes to the care of your precious eyesight, those in the hands of Brent Bellotte and his macular degeneration team benefit from advances in technology as soon as they become available.

Macular Degeneration | Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macular Degeneration?
What are the symptoms?
How is it treated?
What are macular degeneration symptoms?
What is macular degeneration?
What causes macular degeneration?
What is the macular degeneration test?
Is macular degeneration hereditary?
What’s the best macular degeneration prevention?
What are the earlier signs of macular degeneration?
What is macular degeneration of the eye?

Book an appointment

Fill out the form below and our staff will reach out to you quickly to fully book your appointment and receive all of your necessary information.

Thank you! We will reach out to you shortly!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Clock Icon Image
Next Day Response

Specializing in modern cataract surgery.

Located 1/2 miles North of West Boca Medical Center on Glades Road, directly behind Macy's Furniture Gallery.

West Boca Eye Center
9325 Glades Road, Suite 201.
Boca Raton, FL 33434

Navigate Now