Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Eye Center Treating Macular Degeneration Condition

Macular Degeneration — Tupelo, MS — Tupelo Eye Center

What is macular degeneration?

The aging macula can undergo degeneration changes that lead to significant permanent visual loss. The dry form is characterized by thinning the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer and is treated with vitamins. The AREDS study showed vitamins A, C, E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin to help stop or slow the worsening of AMD. Smoking was also established as a significant risk factor in making vision worse and should be stopped. The wet form has edema or bleeding into the macula and can be treated with retinal injections as needed.

Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration is age-related degeneration not involving leakage of blood or serum. This form of macular degeneration is connected to the development of yellow deposits beneath the macula, called drusen. These deposits thin and dry out the macular, which causes a loss of vision.

Wet Macular Degeneration

The wet form of AMD usually starts as the dry form. Then abnormal blood vessel (neovascular) develops, and these blood vessels begin leaking and bleeding, and vision becomes distorted, causing straight lines to appear crooked or bent. For years there was no satisfactory treatment, but now medication injected directly into the center of the eye can often stop the advancement of wet AMD. In some cases, partial vision can be recovered.

Treatments

At this time, there is no known cure for macular degeneration. We can treat macular degeneration with medications or with laser surgery. Some injections can slow vision loss and potentially improve eyesight.  Because macular degeneration is irreversible, it is important to follow up regularly to prevent vision loss. Our eye doctors will work with you to determine the best treatment options and help manage your disease.

To book an appointment with our center to treat your macula degeneration, call us at 662-844-7211 in Tupelo, MS.

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