Santa Fe, NM
Eye Exams for
Age-related Macular
Degeneration
Santa Fe, NM
Eye Exams for Age-related Macular Degeneration
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Untreated age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in those over 65 years old. While researchers have not yet discovered a cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there are treatment options that prevent the disease from progressing to blindness. In some cases, they can even improve vision. At Ultimate Eyecare Santa Fe, our comprehensive eye exams include screenings for macular degeneration to catch any signs of macular degeneration early on.
What is age-related macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an age-related eye disease that often runs in families and affects the macula. The macula is in the center of your retina and helps you see fine details clearly. As AMD progresses, it can cause blurry vision or blind spots in your central vision, making it difficult to do everyday tasks like reading or driving. There is no cure for this disease, and AMD-related vision loss cannot usually be recovered. That’s why it’s crucial to schedule regular eye exams with your eye doctor to monitor your eye health and detect this disease early.
Types of macular degeneration
There are two basic types of AMD, the wet form and the dry form.
Dry macular degeneration is considered the less aggressive form of AMD, and it typically progresses much more slowly, and the level of eyesight damage is less severe. Dry AMD is detected during routine eye health exams, which is why it’s important to have yearly testing. Treating dry AMD often involves high doses of zinc and antioxidants, which have been shown to slow disease progression. At Ultimate Eyecare Santa Fe, we offer MacuHealth supplements which contain carotenoids to support eye health and potentially prevent or slow down macular degeneration.
Wet macular degeneration is the more severe form of AMD. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye and leak, which can cause scar tissue to develop. Treatments include laser surgery, injecting light-sensitive dyes, or AMD medication injected directly into the eye to prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
Schedule an eye exam for macular degeneration in Santa Fe, NM
By monitoring changes in your macula over time, we can develop personalized treatment plans that slow down the progression of AMD and preserve your remaining vision. If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, schedule an appointment at our office in Santa Fe.
Eye Exams
Comprehensive eye care goes beyond a glasses prescription or contact lenses and meets the needs for all primary eye care treatments.