Macular Degeneration

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a medical condition that can lead to permanent central vision loss.

In its early stages, symptoms are often minimal or nonexistent, and it is usually diagnosed during an eye examination by your primary eye doctor. AMD is traditionally categorized as either dry or wet, although a patient can have both types. Over time, AMD can progress, leading to the loss of vision cells, bleeding, and scar formation, which result in profound vision loss. Several treatment options have been shown to be effective in reversing some of these effects and stabilizing the disease. Timely intervention is crucial for achieving the best visual outcome. At Premier Eye Care, we have retina specialists who have extensive experience in treating patients with both wet and dry macular degeneration. They travel to see patients in four different offices and are available to see your loved ones.

Several common risk factors contribute to the likelihood of developing AMD including:

Age (50 and above)
Smoking
Cardiovascular diseases
Family history
Inadequate nutrients in the diet
Light-colored eyes
Caucasian ethnicity
Obesity
Gender (with women being more susceptible)

Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a nutritious diet, and controlling weight can play a significant role in preserving vision. If these risk factors apply to you or if you notice blurring or spots in your vision, schedule an appointment with us today!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Our Mission

To provide the best possible eye care for patients in Eastern Idaho

Locations

Eye Specialists

Knowledgeable, friendly, and thorough service
State-of-the-art technology
Optimal eye health and vision
Comprehensive eye care, unique to you

Early signs of AMD include:

general haziness or blurriness of vision, especially during reading
the need for bright illumination
a blind spot in the central vision
distorted appearance of straight lines
rapid loss of central vision
difficulty recognizing faces at a distance
reduced color vibrancy

Early diagnosis and treatment are pivotal in preserving vision. Ongoing studies are being conducted by our practice and others to advance AMD treatments. For those diagnosed with the dry form, an Amsler Grid may be provided for daily monitoring. Additionally, an at-home device named ForeseeHome by Notal Vision, which was tested at our practice, allows for a brief daily test to detect vision changes. The results are automatically transmitted to your physician for prompt examination scheduling.

AMD Treatment

Treatment approaches vary based on the type of AMD. For dry AMD, a specialized vitamin and mineral formula known as AREDS II, derived from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study II, can help preserve vision.

In wet AMD, our qualified retina specialists administer ocular injections of vision-saving medicines, which can preserve or even reverse vision loss in some cases. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) remains beneficial in controlling aggressive forms of wet AMD.

Our dedicated physicians emphasize daily early detection, providing comprehensive care for AMD patients, including diagnosis, education, prevention, treatment, research, low vision services, and support groups.

macular degeneration

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Call or schedule an appointment to get a more in-depth look at your eye health.

Is macular degeneration always caused by age?

While macular degeneration generally affects people over the age of 65, certain drugs and medications can cause an increase in macular degeneration.

What are the signs and symptoms of macular degeneration?

Early signs include: straight lines appearing fuzzy or wavy, night vision problems, and shadowy areas in your central vision. Yearly eye exams are key since your eye doctor may be able to find indicators before you have any symptoms.

What is the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration?

Dry macular degeneration is the first phase of the disease and is shown by the appearance of yellow particles on the retina. This phase may not cause vision problems so it is important to keep up with your yearly eye exams. The wet phase is more advanced and is characterized by blood vessels leaking into the macula, causing swelling and damage.