Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration Specialist in Colorado Springs, CO

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Over 25 Years Experience

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Types of Macular Degeneration

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration (MD) is the leading cause of blindness, and is often age-related. Macular degeneration is characterised by the deterioration of the retina’s central portion, known as the macula. The macula focuses vision and is what allows us to read, drive, recognize colors or faces, and more.

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There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet.

Dry Macular Degeneration

Most cases of MD are the “dry” type. In this type of MD, the deterioration is linked to the formation of drusen (small yellow deposits) under the macula. It affects the function of the macula as it thins and dries it out. The amount of central vision loss will be related to the location of the retinal thinning. 

Patients with dry MD can have good central vision, but have severe limitations to its function. This can include difficulty reading, fluctuating vision, and difficulty seeing at night. The early stage of dry MD is associated with minimal vision impairment.

Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet macular degeneration is the less common form of MD, as only 10 to 15% of patients have it. In wet MD, abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and the retina, which can bleed and leak fluid, causing the macula to change position or bulge out. This can distort or destroy central vision, and vision loss may be rapid or severe. Patients with wet MD may see dark spots in their central vision, and straight lines may appear wavy.

  • Early MD – Early MD is diagnosed by the presence of drusen in an eye exam. Most people do not experience vision loss in the early stage.
  • Intermediate MD – While there may not be noticeable symptoms at this stage, there could be vision loss. An eye exam will test for larger amounts of drusen.
  • Late MD – In the stage of late MD, you have noticeable vision loss.

If you think you have developed macular degeneration, or would like to check for signs of it, let the ophthalmologists at Haas Vision Center take care of you. Haas Vision Center offers treatments for macular degeneration and ensures that you receive expert care. Schedule your appointment today or give us a call at 719-272-4227.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment Options

Vitamin Supplement Treatment

Studies have shown that certain antioxidant vitamins and zinc can reduce the effects of macular degeneration. When these vitamins and minerals are taken daily in specific amounts as supplements to a healthy diet, they can be effective in slowing down the progression of the disease and serve as a treatment for macular degeneration.

People at high risk for late stages of macular degeneration can benefit from dietary supplements of vitamins such as:

Vitamins C, E

Light can affect the eye as it stimulates oxygen, which leads to the production of damaging compounds. Vitamins c and E can work against this activated oxygen to slow the progression of macular degeneration.