Dry and Wet

Two main types of macular degeneration exist: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration develops gradually as light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down. This form accounts for approximately 85-90% of all cases. Wet macular degeneration, though less common, progresses more rapidly as abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, leaking fluid and blood that damage the macula.

Risk factors

Risk factors for developing macular degeneration include:

• Age over 50

• Family history of the condition

• Smoking

• Cardiovascular disease

• Prolonged sun exposure

While you cannot control factors like genetics and age, understanding your risk profile helps our vision care specialists develop personalized screening schedules and prevention strategies.

Screening Examination

The screening examination includes several specialized tests designed to comprehensively evaluate macular health. Digital retinal photography captures detailed images of your retina, allowing our doctors to document and monitor any changes over time. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides cross-sectional photos of the retina layers, revealing even subtle structural changes that might indicate early macular degeneration.

Along with retinal photography, we also use fundus autofluorescence technology to show detailed changes sooner than traditional color images. One more test we utilize is contrast sensitivity, specifically the Rabin Cone Contrast test. This is a quantitative, computer-based color vision test that measures contrast sensitivity of the cone cells in the macula. For patients with AMD, this correlates with subjective complaints of reduced visual quality, and we can use it to monitor progression over time.

Advanced Diagnostic Technology

We utilize state-of-the-art equipment to ensure accurate diagnosis and monitoring. The OCT scan creates detailed maps of retinal thickness, helping identify areas where the macula may be thinning or showing other structural changes.

Fluorescein angiography may be recommended when wet macular degeneration is suspected. This test involves injecting a special dye into your arm, which moves through your bloodstream to the blood vessels in your eyes. Photographs taken as the dye moves through the retinal vessels reveal any abnormal blood vessel growth or leakage.

Amsler Grid Testing

The Amsler grid test is a simple yet effective screening tool for detecting changes in central vision. You view a grid of straight lines with a central dot, covering one eye at a time. Any areas where lines appear wavy, missing, or distorted may indicate macular problems requiring further evaluation.

Dry Macular Degeneration

For dry macular degeneration, nutritional supplements containing specific vitamins and minerals may help slow progression. The AREDS2 formula, which contains vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin, has shown promise in lessening the risk of progression to advanced stages.

Lifestyle modifications, including smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy diet rich in leafy green vegetables, and protecting your eyes from UV exposure, also support macular health. Some patients may be candidates for Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) injections with a retinal specialist. We can help evaluate and coordinate referrals if warranted.

Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet macular degeneration requires more immediate intervention. Anti-VEGF injections can help stop abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce fluid leakage. While our practice focuses on diagnosis and monitoring, we maintain strong relationships with retinal specialists who provide these advanced treatments when needed.