Treatment for Dry Macular Degeneration

Routine changes in vision are typical and often expected as a natural part of getting older. While vision changes can also happen at any point in our lives, it is vital to be aware of the potential for dry age-related macular degeneration. At the Orange County Eye Institute in Laguna Hills, California, we have the experience and skill set to diagnose and treat age-related macular degeneration.

What is the Macula?

In order to understand macular degeneration, it’s essential to understand a bit about the anatomy of the eye. The macula is the central area of the retina where the vision is sharpest. In fact, your ability to read and drive is located within the fovea, the critical central part of the retina. While several conditions can affect the macula, macular degeneration is the most common.

What is Dry Macular Degeneration?

Dry age-related macular degeneration or dry AMD is a deterioration of the cells of the macula that occurs slowly over time. The slow weakening of the retina happens as the cells die off and are not regenerated. With dry AMD, small yellow deposits called drusen will form under the macula, causing it to thin and dry out, causing central vision loss.

Macular degeneration is referred to as an age-related disease because it rarely occurs before the age of 50. Nearly all adults over 50 will have at least one druse present in one or both eyes.

Risk Factors for Dry Macular Degeneration

The contributing factors to dry AMD can be complex, and genetics often play a role in the occurrence of the disease. However, some risk factors can be controlled. Among them are:

Smoking
Being overweight
Cardiovascular disease
High blood pressure

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(949) 441-5444

Treatment for Dry Macular Degeneration

The best treatment for dry macular degeneration is a daily formula of vitamin supplements. The formula contains various vitamins, including C, E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper. A daily regimen of these vitamins has proven successful throughout many studies in slowing vision loss over time.

Contact Us Today

If you have any concerns about your eye health, including risk factors for dry macular degeneration, please contact us today at (949) 441-5444 to schedule an appointment in our Orange County office.