Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is currently the world’s third leading cause of blindness as reported by the World Health Organization. This condition is asymptomatic in the early stages and there’s no proven cure for it yet, which is why your optometrist emphasizes the need to detect and manage it as early as possible.
As February marks Age-Related Macular Degeneration Month, Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic talks about the different ways we can help manage this disease.
AMD Detection
Having comprehensive eye exams regularly is the only reliable way to ensure AMD is diagnosed early on. During your visit, we will ask you to stare at an Amsler grid and tell us if you notice any wavy lines or blank spots. We may also have you undergo a visual acuity test to evaluate how well you can recognize objects at different starting points. Afterward, we may apply medicated eye drops to dilate your eyes, allowing us to inspect your macula and retina for any irregularities.
AMD Treatment and Prevention
While the search for a cure to AMD is ongoing, there are ways to halt its progression and save your eyesight. For one, your trusted optometrist recommends annual eye exams, especially for aging individuals and those with a family history of this problem. Keep in mind that early AMD diagnosis plays a crucial part in preventing AMD from causing permanent vision loss.
Those with dry AMD are advised to eat eye-friendly foods rich in antioxidants, like dark, leafy, green vegetables. Kale, spinach and collard greens are good examples. Increasing zinc levels in your body is also a good idea. Oysters, beef and beans are some great sources.
Your reliable optometrist may suggest performing conventional or laser surgery to treat wet AMD. We may also administer anti-vascular endothelial growth factors into your eyes to control the proliferation of abnormal blood vessels. Injecting light-sensitive dyes may help as well.
For more information about our AMD management services, call us at (425) 771-8472 for Alderwood Optical or (425) 485-0430 for Canyon Park Vision Clinic. You may also fill out our contact form to request a consultation with our experts. We serve Bothell, Lynnwood and Shoreline, WA. Feel free to check out the first section of this two-part series to learn how AMD develops and how it is classified.