Exceptional Diagnosis and Treatment of Macular Degeneration in Hell’s Kitchen, NY

According to statistics, approximately eleven millio Americans have age-related macular degeneration. Each year, macular degeneration causes more vision loss than glaucoma and cataracts combined. If you are experiencing any eye problems, you should consult an eye specialist with immediate effect. At Eyes of New York, Russell Micah Levine, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist who provides effective diagnosis and treatment of macular degeneration in Hell's Kitchen for people of all ages. To learn more about the best eye treatment options for you, call or schedule an appointment online.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

This is a common eye-related health issue that might result in loss of central vision. The condition happens because of the macula's deterioration, a small area in the center of your retina. Different from the belief that macular degeneration causes total blindness, it does not cause total blindness. Macular degeneration affects your central line of vision, which leaves your peripheral vision unharmed. In severe conditions, macular degeneration results in low vision.

What Are the Different Types of Macular Degeneration?

There are two main types of macular degeneration. These include dry and wet macular degeneration.

Dry Macular Degeneration

This type occurs when tiny spots of a protein called drusen form beneath the macula. As more of the drusen accumulates, it damages your retina causing vision loss. The symptoms of dry macular degeneration include blurred vision, the requirement for brighter lighting, distortion of straight lines, difficulty recognizing faces, and inability to adapt to low light.

Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet macular degeneration only happens in about fifteen percent of cases. This type of condition occurs when abnormal blood vessels form unde eath the macula and retina. As the wet degeneration advances, the blood vessels bleed and leak fluid, creating a dark spot in the center of your vision. The symptoms include hazy vision, blurry areas in the field of vision, symptoms that worsen fast and dark spots in your vision.

What Should You Expect During the Diagnosis of Macular Degeneration?

To diagnose macular degeneration, the provider carries out a comprehensive eye exam, assesses your medical history, and inquiries about the symptoms you are experiencing. The doctor will also test your central field of vision, where you will look at a grid. If any of the lines appear warped or broken, it shows that you might be at risk. Other tests that might be done include optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography, and fundus photography to check your retina and blood vessels unde eath your eye.

What Are the Available Macular Degeneration Treatment Options?

When you go to an eye specialist for macular degeneration, the treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and their effect on life quality. After a positive diagnosis of dry macular degeneration, the doctor recommends diet and lifestyle modification, particularly formulated vitamins, and working with a low vision rehabilitation specialist. In the case of wet macular degeneration, the doctor may recommend eye drops and photodynamic therapy to inhibit new blood vessels.

To sum up, eye problems such a macular degeneration can affect your vision and lower your life quality. To learn more about your best treatment options for macular degeneration, call or schedule an appointment online with Russell Micah Levine, MD, today.