Macular Degeneration Treatment
Macular Degeneration Treatment in Union, NJ
Macular degeneration affects the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. It can make reading, recognizing faces and seeing fine details more difficult, although early disease may cause no noticeable symptoms.
For macular degeneration treatment in Union, NJ, Excel Eye Care & Laser Surgery Center provides evaluation and care. Understanding the type and stage of the condition helps determine whether monitoring, treatment or other support may be appropriate.
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Board-Certified Ophthalmologist | Macular Degeneration Care | Insurance Accepted
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, damages the macula, a small area in the center of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
AMD primarily affects central vision. Its effects depend on the stage of disease and whether the condition is dry or wet.
Blurred or missing areas in central vision
Straight lines appearing bent or wavy
Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
Trouble seeing in dim lighting
Colors appearing less bright
Early AMD may have no symptoms. Regular examinations can identify retinal changes before you notice a problem.
Who Is at Risk for Macular Degeneration?
AMD risk increases with age. Family history, smoking and certain health factors can also contribute. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will develop the condition.
Relevant factors include:
Older age
Family history of AMD
Smoking
High blood pressure
Heart disease or high cholesterol
Excess weight or a diet
high in saturated fat
Discuss your history during your eye exams. Your ophthalmologist can recommend an examination schedule based on your findings and risk.
Contact an ophthalmologist promptly if straight lines suddenly appear wavy or you notice a new blurred or missing area in central vision. Do not wait for your next routine checkup.
If you already have AMD, report new changes even when they affect only one eye.
When Should You Seek Care?
How Does the Macula Affect Central Vision?
The macula allows you to distinguish small details directly in front of you. Damage in this area can affect both close-up tasks and your ability to see distant objects clearly.
Central Vision and Side Vision
Central vision helps you read words, recognize a face and see details. Peripheral, or side, vision helps you notice things outside your direct line of sight. AMD primarily damages central vision and generally leaves side vision intact.
Dry Macular Degeneration
Dry AMD involves changes such as thinning of macular tissue and deposits called drusen beneath the retina. It often progresses gradually. An advanced form, called geographic atrophy, involves loss of retinal cells.
Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet AMD develops when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood. This can damage the macula and cause faster changes in vision, making prompt evaluation important.
How Is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed and Managed?
An examination of the retina helps identify AMD and determine its type and stage. Management depends on those findings and how the condition changes over time.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Depending on your needs, assessment may include:
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Checking visual clarity and symptoms
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Dilating the pupils to examine the retina and macula
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Using an Amsler grid to assess distortion or missing areas
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Taking retinal images, such as optical coherence tomography scans
These are general evaluation methods. Your ophthalmologist will determine which tests are appropriate.
Treatment and Ongoing Management
Options may include:
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Monitoring: Regular examinations and home vision checks when recommended.
AREDS2 supplements: A specific vitamin and mineral formula that may benefit selected patients.
Medication: Anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD, or medication for selected patients with geographic atrophy.
Vision support: Magnification tools and vision rehabilitation when central vision loss affects daily activities.
These are general options rather than treatments every patient needs. Your ophthalmologist can explain the appropriate approach and its risks.
Supplements do not cure AMD or benefit every stage. They can interact with medications, so discuss them with your doctor before starting. Treatment does not guarantee restoration of lost vision.
Important to Know
Supplements do not cure AMD or benefit every stage. They can interact with medications, so discuss them with your doctor before starting. Treatment does not guarantee restoration of lost vision.
Macular Degeneration Treatment in Union, NJ
Excel Eye Care & Laser Surgery Center provides macular degeneration care in Union, New Jersey. Dr. Haberman is a board-certified ophthalmologist and graduate of New York Medical College.
Whether you have a diagnosis, concerns about your family history or changes in central vision, an appointment can help clarify your eye-care needs. Recommendations depend on your examination findings and the condition’s type and stage.
Visit Excel Eye Care in Union
Excel Eye Care & Laser Surgery Center
2333 Morris Avenue, Suite C-103
Union, NJ 07083
908-688-4000
Serving Union, Union County, and surrounding New Jersey communities.