Macular Degeneration Treatment at Engle Eyewear

Macular degeneration is a prevalent eye disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and is a leading cause of vision loss that can significantly impact your quality of life. Regular eye examinations, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and staying informed about the available treatment options are vital for preserving your vision. At Engle Eyewear in Wilkes Barre, PA, our optometrists can examine the health of your eyes and provide the necessary treatment that can slow down the progression of macular degeneration. 

What is Macular Degeneration?

This chronic eye disease primarily affects the central part of the retina, which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Macular degeneration gradually impairs a person's ability to see fine details, making activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces difficult.

Risk Factors

There are various risk factors that can cause macular degeneration. These include age, family history of the disease, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and prolonged sunlight exposure. 

Causes of Vision Loss

In macular degeneration, the cells of the macula become damaged, leading to a decline in central vision. The disease comes in two forms: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration occurs when the macula becomes thin, causing gradual vision loss. Wet macular degeneration, on the other hand, happens when abnormal blood vessels grow around the retina, which can leak and damage the macula, resulting in rapid vision loss.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of macular degeneration may include:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
• The appearance of dark or empty spaces in the central visual field
• Decrease in color perception

Lifestyle Changes to Slow Progression

While macular degeneration cannot always be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can help. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management. Maintaining a healthy diet that is rich in leafy greens, fish, and antioxidants, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly can help keep your eyes health in good shape. Not only that, but if you manage your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays with sunglasses and wide-brimmed, you can help prevent macular degeneration from developing.

Treatment Methods for Eye Disease Management

While there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, several treatment options are available to help manage the disease and preserve your vision. For dry macular degeneration, specific vitamins and minerals may be recommended to slow down the progression. For wet macular degeneration, eye surgery may be performed to seal any leaking blood vessels and prevent further damage. 

Contact us for Treatment Today

Whether you have macular degeneration or are experiencing symptoms of the eye disease, our team at Engle Eyewear in Wilkes Barre, PA, is happy to help. We’ll examine your eyes and provide you with treatment so you can maintain optimal eye health. To schedule an appointment contact us at (570) 208-1111 today.