Advanced Testing & Treatments for Macular Degeneration
Is your central vision becoming blurry or distorted? You may be experiencing signs of macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. This progressive eye disease affects the part of the eye needed for activities like reading, recognizing faces, and driving.
At Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we offer advanced diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans to help manage macular degeneration, slow its progression, and protect your vision.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a chronic eye disease that gradually damages the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Over time, this condition can make reading, driving, and recognizing faces difficult.
Types of Macular Degeneration:
- Dry AMD (Most Common, 80-90% of Cases): Caused by gradual thinning of the macula and the buildup of yellow deposits (drusen) beneath the retina. Vision loss is slow but progressive.
- Wet AMD (More Severe): Occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leaking blood and fluid. This can cause sudden, severe vision loss and requires immediate medical attention.
Who Is at Risk?
Macular degeneration is primarily age-related, but other factors can increase your risk:
Macular Degeneration Testing
Since AMD progresses gradually and may not cause symptoms in its early stages, regular eye exams are the best way to detect it early and prevent severe vision loss.
At Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we test for macular degeneration using:
- Amsler Grid Test: A simple at-home test to check for wavy or distorted vision.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Produces high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina to detect early changes.
- Fundus Photography: Captures detailed images of the retina to track macular health over time.
Treating AMD in Lynnwood & Bothell
While there is no cure for AMD, several treatments can help slow progression.
- Nutritional Supplements (AREDS2 Formula: Research shows that antioxidants, zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids can slow the disease’s progression.
- Healthy Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, eating leafy greens, and wearing UV-protective sunglasses can reduce risk and protect eye health.
- Anti-VEGF Injections: Medications like Lucentis, Eylea, and Avastin block abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce leakage.
- Laser Therapy: Uses targeted laser treatment to seal leaking blood vessels and prevent further damage.
Common AMD Questions
Safeguard Your Vision—Book an Exam!
Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic provide advanced diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans to help manage macular degeneration and protect your vision. Schedule an eye exam and take a step toward lifelong vision health.