Macular Degeneration In West Des Moines, IA

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects central vision. About 1.8 million Americans suffer from AMD, and more than 7 million are at risk. Early diagnosis by our eye doctors at Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines offers the best chance for preserving vision.

treating macular degeneration in West Des Moines

Understanding Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration has two types, dry and wet, and both can result from changes in the macula, a small area in the middle of the retina. While most people with wet AMD originally had dry AMD, not all dry macular degeneration cases advance to the wet form. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels under the retina leak blood into the eye.

There is no cure for macular degeneration, and experts have not identified any particular cause of either type. Because changes are sometimes subtle, sufferers might fail to notice any problems until the disorder is advanced. 

Generally, loss of central vision can affect your ability to see colors and small details. Once central vision is lost, there is no way to restore it.

The majority of dry AMD sufferers experience slowly advancing symptoms in both eyes, such as:

  • Perception of straight lines as bent
  • Increasing print blurriness
  • Trouble recognizing faces
  • Reduced central vision
  • Need for brighter light for close work
  • Reduction in brightness or intensity of colors

Common wet AMD symptoms include:

  • Generalized vision haziness
  • Bent look of straight lines
  • Reduction in central vision
  • Rapid symptom onset or worsening
  • Less intensity or brightness of colors
  • Definite blurry or blind spot in the central field of vision

Treatment Options from Our Eye Doctors

An early macular degeneration diagnosis is essential to preserving vision. It is sometimes possible to slow dry AMD vision loss with changes in diet and certain nutritional supplements. Eyewear that blocks blue light and UV rays can also be helpful.

Patients with an early wet AMD diagnosis may experience limited vision loss thanks to laser therapy. Some people benefit from injected eye medication, which our eye doctors co-manages.

Schedule an Exam with Our West Des Moines Optometrists Today

The goal of our optometrists at Lock Family Eye Care is to protect our patients’ vision and eye health. Our West Des Moines practice offers full-service eye care for pediatric and adult patients. Regular exams are important for early diagnosis of macular degeneration and other eye diseases. Be sure to call (515) 267-1312 to make an appointment with us for your next exam.

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