Macular Degeneration Diagnosis & Treatment

Macular Degeneration is a common retinal condition in patients over age 65. It is important to get evaluated if there is a family history. The majority of patients with Macular Degeneration do not lose substantial vision in their lives, however, it is important to monitor for any changes that may signal progression. Dr. Velasquez can monitor for any changes in macular degeneration.

How is AMD diagnosed?

During an eye exam, Dr. Velasquez may ask you to look at an Amsler grid. This grid helps you notice any blurry or blank spots in your field of vision. Dr. Velasquez will also look inside your eye through a special lens. He will be able to see if there are changes in the retina and macula.

Dr. Velasquez will put drops in your eye to dilate (widen) your pupil. This allows him or her to look through a special lens at the inside of your eye. He may also use Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to look closely at the retina. A machine scans the retina and provides very detailed images of the retina and macula.

How is AMD treated?

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Dry AMD

Right now, there is no way to treat the dry form of AMD. However, people with lots of drusen or serious vision loss might benefit from taking a certain combination of nutritional supplements. A large study found those people may slow their dry AMD by taking these vitamins and minerals daily:

Vitamin C (500 mg)
Vitamin E (400IU)
Lutein (10mg)
Zeaxanthin (2mg)
Zinc (80 mg)
Copper (2 mg)

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Wet AMD:

Dr. Velasquez will refer you to a Retina specialist for possible eye injections (anti-VEGF drugs).

If you have AMD, you can learn how to make the most of your vision. Often you can still do many of your favorite things with special low vision tools. These can include different kinds of magnifying tools, handheld computers, electronic items and more.

Also, you can learn how to use your side vision to help you do things. A vision rehabilitation specialist can teach you how this works. They also can help you find many low vision support services and tools.

Dr. Velasquez will help you find a vision rehabilitation specialist in your area. The goal is to learn new ways to be as independent as possible.

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