Macular Degeneration & AMD Specialist
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Amirikia Eye Center
Optometry & Ophthalmology & Retina Specialist located in Pontiac, MI
As the leading cause of vision loss, macular degeneration affects an estimated 10 million Americans. Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease, and many people who receive a diagnosis fear losing their vision. Fortunately, there are effective management options available through Amirikia Eye Center. Dr. Arezo Amirikia is a skilled ophthalmologist with the training and experience to assist men and women from the Pontiac/South East Michigan area with macular degeneration. Scheduling a consultation is fast and easy with the online scheduling tool.
Macular Degeneration & AMD Q & A
What is macular degeneration?
The macula is the portion of your eye that collects images and sends them to your brain to be interpreted as sight. Degeneration of the macula affects your ability to receive sensory data correctly.
There are two types of macular degeneration: Wet and dry, with the latter constituting 80% of all cases.
In wet macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels cause problems with your vision. Dry macular degeneration is marked by the development of tiny clumps of protein and thinning of the macula.
What causes macular degeneration?
Scientists are uncertain of the exact causes of macular degeneration, and inadequate funding limits research on this common condition. For many people, macular degeneration occurs as they near seniority, and researchers believe that a combination of environmental and genetic factors contribute to the condition.
Interestingly, medical experts believe that as the baby boomer generation continues to age, macular degeneration could reach the level of an epidemic by the year 2030. Hopefully, research will continue leading to advancements in treatment by that time.
Age-related macular degeneration occurs in three stages:
Early
In this phase, most people don’t experience vision loss. Early macular degeneration is highly manageable and detectable during routine eye exams.
Intermediate
In the middle stage, you may experience some degree of vision loss but may not have noticeable symptoms.
Late
In the later stage, vision loss is pronounced. Seeking treatment at this stage can slow further degeneration, but it won’t completely restore your vision.
What are the treatment options for macular degeneration?
As of now, macular degeneration has no cure. Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disorder and bolstering eye health to support healthy vision.
Dr. Amirikia works with men and women to improve their lifestyle and prevent further vision loss. Those efforts include:
Smoking cessation
- Proper nutrition
- Staying active
- Protecting eyes from ultraviolet light
There are also several injectable drugs that can help slow the progression of the disease. Some patients respond well to laser therapy, which uses targeted light to destroy abnormal blood vessels.
Early detection is key to treating macular degeneration: Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Amirikia today.
