At Kelly Eye Center, we encourage patients to schedule regular medical exams to help protect their eye health and achieve early detection. With incurable diseases, such as macular degeneration, it is vital to catch any signs of vision loss as soon as possible. Once you have a diagnosis, we can design a custom care plan that will help prevent further damage and enjoy optimal vision for as long as possible.
What is Macular Degeneration?
The center of the retina is known as the macula and this area is responsible for focusing the central part of our vision, which allows us to read, drive and see fine details. Macular degeneration causes the cells of the macula to deteriorate, which can cause blurry vision and eventually lead to a complete loss of the central vision. Patients will still have peripheral vision, but the center of their sight will be lost, which renders them legally blind.
Currently, there are no conclusive causes of macular degeneration although there are indications that genetics and certain environmental factors do play a role. Perhaps most importantly, the symptoms are irreversible, so early detection is your best defense against this disease. A comprehensive eye exam will allow the doctor to inspect the retina and conduct visions tests that will reveal any abnormalities.
Treatments for Macular Degeneration
Again, while there isn’t a cure for macular degeneration, there are some steps you can take to slow the progress of the disease. Depending on the severity of the disease, different medications, injections and other laser treatments may be recommended. These are used to promote healthy cell growth and preserve vision.
At Kelly Eye Center of Raleigh-Durham, we create a treatment plan based on your specific needs. Contact us to start today with a comprehensive eye exam and get the expert advice and treatments you need to enjoy lasting eye health