Macular Degeneration Specialist

Macular degeneration is an age-related eye disorder that affects the macula, which is a small piece of the retina at the rear of the eye. It causes gradual vision loss, frequently resulting in blurry or distorted central vision when looking straight ahead. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Macular degeneration symptoms include blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading and recognizing faces, straight lines that appear wavy, and colors that appear dull. Early detection of macular degeneration can help prevent severe vision loss and total blindness. Visit our specialists at Connecticut Retina Consultants for macular degeneration treatment. Contact us for more information. We serve patients at locations in Hamden, New Haven, Madison, Trumbull, Fairfield, and Norwalk CT.

Table of Contents:

What is the main cause of macular degeneration?
What are the early warning signs of macular degeneration?
Is macular degeneration linked to dementia?
How do you test for macular degeneration?

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration occurs when the central portion of the retina, the macula, deteriorates. The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina and is essential because it allows the eye to process images sharply and distinctly.

If the cones in the macula don’t regenerate properly, your vision gradually deteriorates. You first lose your ability to see fine details like faces, read a book, or perceive colors.

Macular degeneration was originally associated with aging, but is increasingly seen in younger people as well.

What are the signs of macular degeneration?

In early cases of macular degeneration, you may develop a lesion called drusen. The more your cones degenerate, the more these scar-like drusen form. This is “dry” macular degeneration, which makes up 90% of cases. New treatments are now available to help manage patients with “dry” disease.

If new blood vessels start to grow into the damaged area and bleed into the macula, you have “wet” macular degeneration. This form is the most devastating for vision loss.

Symptoms you may experience that suggest macular degeneration include:

• Dark, blurred areas in the center of your vision
• Diminished or changed color perception
• Decreased sharpness and clarity of vision

In its initial stages, macular degeneration can make it so your vision is blurry, and it’s harder to read small print or drive. If you experience any of these symptoms, call Connecticut Retina Consultants. The beginning stages of macular degeneration may also be diagnosed during a regular eye exam.

What is the treatment for macular degeneration?

If you present with early dry macular degeneration, the doctors recommend nutritional therapy that includes high antioxidants to support the cells of the macula. Supplements and vision support are also available.

For wet macular degeneration, state-of-the-art forms of laser photocoagulation are available at Connecticut Retina Consultants. The treatment seals leaking blood vessels to prevent vision damage, but has limitations.

Another valuable treatment for wet macular degeneration is anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) medication. This is the most common and effective clinical treatment that involves periodic injections of a chemical into the eye that seals the blood vessels.

To learn about macular degeneration treatments, call Connecticut Retina Consultants at one of their five convenient locations.