According to the National Institutes of Health Macular Degeneration, or Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans over the age of 60.

Unlike glaucoma, macular degeneration affects only the very small center spot of the eye which sees detail. This is the part of the eye we use to see detail like letters, numbers, and to identify faces. Peripheral vision remains untouched allowing for mobility and some identification skills.  

This central part of the eye called the Macula becomes affected in macular degeneration. If blood vessels break in the macular area it is called wet macular degeneration. If there is an excess accumulation of metabolic waste in the macula it is called dry macular degeneration.

A dilated eye exam will reveal advanced changes in the macula. The good news is that early small subtle changes can now be detected using newer technological advances such as the RETINAL THICKNESS ANALYZER (RTA). The RTA evaluation now allows Dr. Teles to study not only the view seen looking into a dilated eye but to examine the layers of the retina below the surface! The RTA allows cross sectional views of the macula structure!

Detectiion of early changes in macular thickness and structure allows for new early interventions which frequently can help control changes. Unfortunately, when vision is affected low vision will occur. (See section on LOW VISION.)

AMD is most common in older people, but it can occur during middle age. The risk increases with age. Other risk factors include:

Smoking
Obesity
Race: Whites are much more likely to lose vision from AMD than African-Americans.
Family history: People with a family history of AMD are at higher risk of getting the disease.
Gender. Women appear to be at greater risk than men.

Call Dr. Teles at 410-768-0202 for a free consultation or for a comprehensive examination.