Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in this country. The only way to detect the disease is through a comprehensive eye examination by an eye doctor. During a retinal evaluation, your doctor is looking for small, yellow bumps called ‘drusen.’ Once a diagnosis of macular degeneration is made, it is important to monitor the condition, regularly, for progression. As the disease progresses, more frequent visits may be required. If the disease reaches a stage where treatment is warranted, our doctors will refer our patients to our preferred retinal specialists in our area.

What is Macular Degeneration?

AMD is a disease that affects the central portion of the retina, the macula. The macula is responsible for our ability to detect colors, and for our central, fine detailed vision. Typically, AMD affects patients over 60 years of age.

Diagnosis & Eye Care At Kosnoski Eye Care

In the early stage of AMD, there is typically no loss of vision. The only way to detect AMD is through an ocular health examination, including a dilated retinal evaluation, by an eye doctor. During a comprehensive eye examination, your Federal Way eye doctor is looking for small, yellow ‘bumps’ on the retina called ‘drusen’.

Management

Once a diagnosis of AMD is confirmed, it is important for a patient to be seen, regularly. There is no medical treatment for early macular degeneration, but it is important for a patient’s condition to be routinely monitored for progression. As the disease progresses, more frequent visits may be appropriate. If AMD progresses to a level that warrants treatment, our doctors will refer our patients to the appropriate retinal specialist for treatment.

Risk Factors

Heredity and environment are the main contributors for macular degeneration. Other risk factors include smoking and a poor diet.