Macular Degeneration

As you get older, your risk for macular degeneration increases. To protect your central vision, VistaSite Vision Center offers complete eye exams that can identify early warning signs of macular degeneration. Tatsiana Palavets, OD, works closely with you on a treatment plan to address any symptoms you have and lower your risk for distorted vision and permanent blindness. Call the office in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, or schedule an appointment online today.

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects your central vision. There are two types of macular degeneration you can develop:

Dry macular degeneration

Dry macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that develops when yellowish deposits form on your macula, the center part of your retina. The deposits cause the macula to become thinner and dry out.

Wet macular degeneration

Wet macular degeneration occurs when blood vessels grow in the wrong part of your eye and leak fluid that damages the macula.

Macular degeneration lessens your central vision, which allows you to see fine details of faces and other objects. Without treatment, macular degeneration can lead to vision loss and permanent blindness.

When should I seek treatment for macular degeneration?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at VistaSite Vision Center for macular degeneration if you have any changes in your central vision. However, most people don’t experience symptoms until the condition progresses.

To lower your risk for vision loss, you should schedule routine eye exams, especially if you have risk factors for macular degeneration, including:

• Smoking
• Being over 50
• Eating a high-fat diet
• Having hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Having a family history of macular degeneration

Underlying conditions like heart disease can also increase your risk of developing macular degeneration.

Your provider offers comprehensive eye exams to assess the health of your retina and other structures at the back of your eye. If you need treatment, they customize a care plan to protect your long-term eye health and vision.

How is macular degeneration treated?

Your treatment plan for wet macular degeneration may include injectable medications to slow down the progression of the disease.

If you have dry macular degeneration, there are currently no treatments available to address the condition. However, your provider can help you manage the disease and preserve your vision. That may include changing your glasses or contact lens prescription to improve your visual clarity.

When macular degeneration hinders your vision, VistaSite Vision Center can recommend resources that help you adapt and remain independent.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation for macular degeneration online or call the VistaSite Vision Center office today.