Macular Degeneration Treatment In Yuma, AZ

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a leading cause of severe vision loss in Americans age 65 and older, affecting the central vision people rely on for reading, driving, recognizing faces, and maintaining independence.

The most common form is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which develops when the macula (the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision) becomes damaged over time. AMD primarily affects central vision, while peripheral or side vision often remains intact.

Although macular degeneration does not usually cause complete blindness, advanced AMD can have a major impact on daily life. As central vision worsens, tasks such as reading, driving, cooking, and recognizing faces can become increasingly difficult.

Dr. Song examines a patient’s eye during a routine eye exam in a professional clinic setting.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

Blurry or hazy central vision

Straight lines appearing wavy, bent, or distorted

Dark, blurry, or blank spots in the center of your vision

Difficulty reading or seeing fine details

Needing brighter light to read

Difficulty recognizing faces

Colors appearing less vivid

Trouble adjusting to low-light environments

Types of Macular Degeneration

There are two primary types of age-related macular degeneration: dry AMD and wet AMD

A 50-year-old woman covers one eye while performing an Amsler grid test at home as part of monitoring for macular degeneration treatment.

Wet AMD

Dr. Delu Song reviews a retinal image with a senior female patient during a macular degeneration treatment consultation at Aiello Eye Institute.

Dry AMD

How Macular Degeneration Is Diagnosed

A macular degeneration evaluation usually includes:

Visual acuity testing
A dilated retinal examination
Optical coherence tomography
Retinal photography
An Amsler grid test
Angiographic imaging when abnormal blood vessels are suspected

An older female patient covers one eye while taking a visual acuity test with an Aiello Eye Institute eye doctor.

Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration

A middle-aged man pauses from outdoor yardwork to shield his eyes from intense Yuma sunlight for an Aiello Eye Institute macular degeneration treatment resource.

Age is the strongest risk factor, particularly after age 55. Other factors may include:

A family history of AMD
Smoking
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Cardiovascular disease
Excessive cumulative sun exposure
Poor nutrition
AMD in the other eye

You cannot control every risk factor. However, regular examinations can help detect retinal changes before they cause substantial symptoms.

Aiello Eye Institute’s comprehensive eye exams include evaluation of the retina and screening for age-related eye disease.

Macular Degeneration Treatment

Treatment depends on whether you have dry or wet AMD and how advanced the condition has become.

Treatment for Dry AMD

Early dry AMD is typically monitored through regular eye examinations and retinal imaging.

For certain patients with intermediate or advanced AMD, an eye doctor may recommend an AREDS2 supplement to help reduce the risk of progression.

Lifestyle changes, including avoiding smoking and maintaining a nutritious diet, may also be recommended as part of your overall eye health plan.

Treatment for Wet AMD

The most common treatment for wet AMD is an anti-VEGF injection administered directly into the eye.

Anti-VEGF medications work by reducing the growth and leakage of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina. Treatment can help slow or stop further vision loss, and some patients experience improved vision.

Treatment schedules vary depending on the medication used and how your eye responds. Your retina specialist will determine how frequently you need injections and monitor your progress with retinal imaging.

In select cases, other treatments such as photodynamic therapy may also be considered.

FAQ: Macular Degeneration Treatment in Yuma

Early dry AMD may cause no noticeable symptoms. Later signs can include central blur, difficulty seeing in dim light, reduced contrast, wavy lines, or a blank spot near the center of vision.

Dry AMD develops as macular tissue thins and drusen accumulate. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels leak beneath the retina and may cause more rapid central vision changes.

AMD primarily affects central vision and usually leaves peripheral vision intact. Advanced disease can still cause significant visual disability and interfere with reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

Diagnosis may include a dilated retinal examination, optical coherence tomography, retinal photography, an Amsler grid, and additional vascular imaging when wet AMD is suspected.

No. AREDS2 supplements do not cure AMD and do not help every stage. They may slow progression for certain patients with intermediate or advanced disease, so they should only be used after an eye doctor confirms that the formula is appropriate.

Wet AMD is commonly treated with anti-VEGF eye injections that reduce leakage and abnormal blood vessel activity. The medication and treatment schedule depend on examination and imaging findings.

Monitoring frequency depends on the type, stage, symptoms, and treatment plan. Some patients need routine follow-up, while patients receiving injections or showing active changes may need more frequent visits.

Aiello Eye Institute provides AMD evaluations, retinal imaging, monitoring, and treatment at its Yuma clinic. Call 928-782-1980 to request an appointment.

Protect the Details That Matter

Macular degeneration may begin quietly, but early detection gives your retina specialist more information and more opportunities to protect useful vision.

Aiello Eye Institute offers macular degeneration treatment in Yuma through its retina service, Yuma clinic. Call 928-782-1980 or request an appointment for an AMD evaluation.

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