Macular Degeneration

Age Related Macular Degeneration or AMD is a chronic disease that affects around 11 million people in the United States. If’s one of the main causes of vision loss in the US. It’s a silent and painless yet irreversible destruction of the central area of the retina, called the macula, and it affects the central vision.

While AMD rarely leads to total blindness —because your side (peripheral) vision usually remains intact — the loss of central vision makes everyday tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces much harder. There are 2 types of AMD – wet and dry, and 3 stages of dry AMD – early, intermediate, and late. Depending on which type and stage you might have, you may be able to get treatment for AMD. If you can’t get treatment, you can get services to help you make the most of your vision. Talk to our Retina Specialists today to learn more.

What is the Retina?

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of your eye. It works like the film in a camera, capturing the light that enters your eye and converting it into signals that your brain interprets as the images you see.

What is the Macula?

The macula is a tiny but vital area located at the absolute center of your retina. Despite its small size, it is responsible for your sharp, central, and detailed vision. It allows you to see colors clearly, read text, drive, and focus on objects directly in front of you

Early Detection

Because AMD often develops silently without early warning signs, regular eye care is essential. During a comprehensive, dilated eye exam, our ophthalmologists – retina specialists can detect the earliest stages of the disease

The macula is a tiny area of your retina. It is essential for clear vision and seeing colours and things directly in front of you, in the center of your vision

During your exam the doctor ophthalmologist will examine your retina to detect even the earliest stages of AMD.

What are Drusen? and How We Find Them?

Drusen – Small yellow or white deposits on the retina that indicate the early stages of AMD.

Our specialists locate and track these tiny deposits using a combination of two advanced methods:
➡️ Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams: Allowing for a deep, physical look at the back of the eye.
➡️ Advanced Retinal Photography: Providing high-resolution imaging to map and track small changes over time.

Personalized Treatment Options

While many retinal conditions do not have a permanent cure, advanced therapies can effectively slow down the progression of the disease and preserve your sight. Our expert retina specialists, Dr. Nemiroff and Dr. Nezgoda, will create a personalized treatment plan tailored specifically to your eyes. Depending on your unique needs, your care plan may include:
➡️ Targeted Intraocular Injections: Advanced medications delivered directly to the eye to slow disease progression.
➡️ Advanced Laser Therapy: Precision treatments used to treat specific areas of retinal damage

Monitoring Your Vision at Home: Using The Amsler Grid

Between your scheduled eye exams, you can actively monitor your central vision at home using a simple tool called an Amsler Grid. This grid helps you detect subtle changes in your vision that could indicate the progression of AMD.