Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration Exams in Indian Land, SC

At Brinton Family Eye Care, we specialize in diagnosing and managing macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50. Macular degeneration affects the central part of your retina, called the macula, which is responsible for sharp, central vision. Dr. Yantorni offers comprehensive eye exams to detect early signs of macular degeneration and help you manage the condition to preserve your vision.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration, also known as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is a condition that causes damage to the macula, the central part of the retina. This damage leads to a gradual loss of central vision, making it difficult to see fine details like reading, recognizing faces, or driving. While macular degeneration doesn’t cause total blindness, it can significantly impact your quality of life.

There are two types of macular degeneration:

• Dry Macular Degeneration: The most common form, characterized by the gradual thinning of the macula. It tends to progress slowly and may result in mild to moderate vision loss over time.

• Wet Macular Degeneration: A more aggressive form that occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leading to fluid leakage and rapid damage to the macula. Wet macular degeneration can cause severe vision loss if not treated promptly.

What to Expect During a Macular Degeneration Exam

A macular degeneration exam involves a combination of tests to assess the health of your retina and detect early signs of the condition. Dr. Yantorni will carefully evaluate your eyes and look for any abnormalities in the macula. Here’s what you can expect during the exam:

• Amsler Grid Test: A simple visual test used to detect distortions in your central vision, which may indicate macular degeneration.

• Dilated Eye Exam: Dr. Yantorni will dilate your pupils to get a clear view of the retina and macula.

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This test uses light waves to capture detailed cross-sectional images of your retina, helping to identify early signs of macular degeneration.

• Fluorescein Angiography: In some cases, this test may be used to detect abnormal blood vessels under the retina and assess the condition of the retina and macula.

Managing Macular Degeneration

While there’s no cure for macular degeneration, early detection and treatment can help slow its progression and preserve your vision. Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the condition:

• Dry Macular Degeneration: There are no specific treatments for dry AMD, but certain lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, may help slow its progression. Your doctor may also recommend AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) supplements, which contain a combination of vitamins and minerals that can help protect the eyes.

• Wet Macular Degeneration: Treatment for wet AMD may involve anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections to block the growth of abnormal blood vessels and prevent further damage to the macula. In some cases, laser therapy may be used to destroy leaking blood vessels.

Why Choose Brinton Family Eye Care?

At Brinton Family Eye Care in Indian Land, SC, Dr. Yantorni is committed to providing the highest level of care for patients with macular degeneration. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and personalized approach allow us to detect early signs of the condition and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. We’re here to support you in maintaining your vision and improving your quality of life, no matter the stage of macular degeneration.