Macular diseases affect the detailed central vision required for everyday activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Though relatively painless, macular diseases require close monitoring and treatment to slow the progression of vision loss over time.
Our team has expertise in the many types of macular diseases and is uniquely positioned to offer the latest research, procedures, and treatments available to combat the effects.
The macula is a small area at the retina’s center, in the very back of the eye. This part of the eye is responsible for detailed central vision, as well as most color vision. Macular diseases don’t lead to total blindness but instead impact the central point of sight, leaving peripheral vision intact. Many diseases may affect this part of the eye, but Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the most common, with approximately 15 million people in the United States living with some stage of AMD.
Macular diseases are primarily due to aging eyes, but other risk factors contribute to the condition, including gender, race, a prior family history of the disease, and lifestyle. Women are at a higher risk of developing macular diseases than men, and Caucasians carry a higher risk than African American and Asian populations. Smoking and obesity also contribute to the progression of the disease.
Early signs of macular diseases can be hard to detect, but when symptoms do appear, they can include:
Early detection and intervention are crucial to preserving vision with macular diseases. While not reversible, some treatments can slow its progression, including healthy lifestyle changes, injections, or surgery.
Our physicians diagnose, treat, and monitor macular diseases at any stage. We will work with patients to identify a treatment or management plan to fit their specific vision needs.
Contact us to learn how our broad range of services can give you the gift of clear vision and total eye health that you deserve.