•  Dry Macular Degeneration:
• Description: Dry AMD is the slow breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the macula. It often begins with small yellow deposits called drusen that accumulate under the retina. As the disease progresses, central vision may blur, but peripheral vision usually remains intact.
• Symptoms:
• Gradual loss of central vision
• Blurry or distorted vision
• Difficulty seeing in low light
• Wet Macular Degeneration:
• Description: Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood into the macula, leading to rapid and severe vision loss. Wet AMD is much more aggressive than dry AMD.
• Symptoms:
• Sudden loss of central vision
• Distorted or wavy lines
• Dark or empty spots in the center of vision
  

• Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing macular degeneration. It reduces blood flow to the retina and accelerates the damage caused by the disease.
• Genetics: Family history plays a critical role. If macular degeneration runs in your family, you are more likely to develop it.
• Poor Diet: A diet low in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids can increase the risk of developing AMD. A poor diet may also exacerbate the condition in those already affected.
• Sun Exposure: Long-term exposure to UV light can damage the retina, increasing the risk of macular degeneration. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help reduce this risk.

Wet Macular Degeneration

• Anti-VEGF Injections:
• What they are: Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs are injections that help prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina.
• How they work: These injections stop the growth and leakage of these blood vessels, reducing swelling and preserving central vision.
• Common medications: Lucentis, Eylea, and Avastin are some of the anti-VEGF medications used to treat wet macular degeneration.
• New Treatments for Geographic Macular Degeneration:
• What is Geographic Macular Degeneration?: This is a specific form of advanced dry macular degeneration that causes areas of the macula to deteriorate and form geographic patterns of vision loss.
• Emerging Treatments: New research is focusing on drug therapies, gene therapy, and regenerative treatments aimed at halting the progression of geographic macular degeneration and restoring vision.

Dry Macular Degeneration

• Eye Vitamins:
• Preservision and AREDS2: The AREDS2 formula, developed by the National Eye Institute, includes vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These nutrients can help slow the progression of dry macular degeneration, especially in moderate to advanced stages.
• How they work: These supplements help protect the retina from oxidative damage and support the overall health of the eye.

• Red Light Therapy: Recent research suggests that low-level red light therapy might be able to slow down the progression of macular degeneration by improving mitochondrial function in retinal cells.
• How it works: Red light therapy is thought to stimulate the cells in the retina and increase energy production, potentially improving the health of the macula.
• Current Status: While this research is still in its early stages, it offers hope as a non-invasive treatment for slowing the progression of macular degeneration.

At Partin Eye Care, we offer advanced diagnostic tools that can detect macular degeneration early, even before symptoms appear. Early detection is key in preventing or slowing vision loss.

• OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): This non-invasive imaging test provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing us to monitor the health of the macula and detect early signs of macular degeneration.
• OPTOS Retinal Imaging: Our wide-field retinal imaging system provides a comprehensive view of the retina, helping us spot abnormalities like drusen or other changes associated with macular degeneration before they cause significant vision loss.
• Why Early Detection Matters: The sooner macular degeneration is detected, the more effectively we can monitor its progression and initiate treatment to preserve your vision. 

• Preventing Vision Loss: Early detection allows for timely intervention to slow the progression of both dry and wet macular degeneration. With treatments like anti-VEGF injections or vitamin supplementation, you can protect your central vision.
• Customizing Your Treatment: By using advanced testing, we can tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs, whether you are in the early stages of dry AMD or have advanced geographic macular degeneration.