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Retina Conditions
The retina is the layer of tissue on the back of the eye responsible for receiving focused light waves and transmitting them as images to the brain, via the optic nerve. When the retina becomes damaged by certain diseases, permanent vision loss and even blindness may result. Two very common conditions that can affect the retina are diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Patients visiting any of our Arizona locations may be examined and treated for either of these diseases, as well as for other conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
The macula is a small area of the retina responsible for detailed vision of up-close objects. As your eyes age, the maculas are likely to undergo some level of deterioration, a condition known as age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. There are two types of macular degeneration: wet and dry.
Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD)
Dry AMD accounts for about 90 percent of macular degeneration cases treated by our Arizona doctors. This type of AMD is caused by the breakdown of the cells in the macula responsible for registering the presence of light. As more and more cells are affected, you may notice that your central vision is becoming blurry and that you need more light than usual to see small details.
Because dry macular degeneration may occur in only one eye, you may not notice a distinct change in your vision until considerable damage has already occurred. As a result, it is important to undergo regular examinations that include a test for macular degeneration. Though there is currently no treatment or cure for dry AMD, early diagnosis allows your doctor to monitor your condition and administer treatment for the advanced form of the disease, wet AMD.
Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)
Wet macular degeneration occurs when new, delicate blood vessels form behind the retina and under the macula. Because they are so fragile, these blood vessels often leak blood and other fluid into the eye, damaging the macula. The first symptom of wet macular degeneration often reported by our Arizona patients is that straight lines appear wavy. If this symptom sounds familiar, you should not hesitate to seek out medical help as soon as possible.
Laser surgery can sometimes be used to slow the progression of wet AMD by cauterizing the new blood vessels formed in the retina. Unfortunately, this type of treatment is only successful for a limited number of patients. For others, low vision aids such as magnifying glasses, large-print books, and telephones with high-visibility buttons may be the best alternatives.
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