Maintaining eye health is essential for preserving your quality of life and regular eye exams play a critical role in that effort.
One eye condition that highlights the importance of comprehensive eye exams is macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of vision loss among individuals over the age of 50.
At Dr. Lewis Eye Care in Camas, our team can detect macular degeneration in its earliest stages, allowing us to take proactive steps in preserving your vision.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that affects the central part of the retina, called the macula. This part of the eye is responsible for sharp, detailed vision.
There are 2 main types of macular degeneration, namely dry and wet. The dry form is the more common of the two and is caused by the thinning of the macula over time, leading to gradual vision loss. The wet form, although less common, is more severe and occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina.
Over time, this condition can lead to blurred or distorted vision, and in severe cases, result in significant vision loss. Early detection through comprehensive eye exams is crucial for managing the condition and slowing its progression.
Why Regular Eye Exams are Essential for Detecting Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which makes regular eye exams essential for timely detection. During a comprehensive eye exam, our eye doctor is able to identify signs of AMD. These include yellow deposits under the retina known as drusen and early damage to the macula.
Our practice stays at the forefront of vision care technology, using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Fundus Photography. These tools provide detailed images of the retina and macula. This enables us to detect even the smallest changes in the macula, long before symptoms manifest.
Early detection is crucial because it opens the door to various treatment options that can slow the disease’s progression.
Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration
Although anyone can develop macular degeneration, several risk factors increase your likelihood of developing the condition. These include:
- Age: This eye condition is more common in people over 50.
- Family History: If people in your family have this disease, you're likely to develop it too.
- Smoking: Studies show that smoking can double the risk of developing AMD.
- Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV rays without protection can damage the retina.
- Poor Diet: A lack of nutrients that support eye health, such as antioxidants, can contribute to AMD.
Understanding your risk factors can help you take preventative steps and underscores the importance of regular eye exams to monitor your eye health closely.
How Macular Degeneration is Managed
While there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, there are a range of treatments that can slow its progression and preserve your remaining vision. These treatments include:
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Such as refraining from smoking, protecting your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses, and incorporating an eye-healthy diet rich in leafy greens, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
- Nutritional Supplements: The AREDS2 formula has been shown to reduce the risk of advanced AMD in some patients. It provides essential nutrients like vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper.
- Medications: For those with wet AMD, anti-VEGF injections can help slow or stop abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Laser Therapy: In some cases, laser treatments can help seal off leaking blood vessels caused by wet AMD.
Book your Eye Exam at Dr. Lewis Eye Care
Taking proactive steps today can help preserve your vision for tomorrow. Whether it's been a while since your last visit or you're concerned about your eye health, our team at Dr. Lewis Eye Care in Camas is here to help.
Book your comprehensive eye exam with us and ensure your eyes stay healthy for years to come.