MACULAR DEGENERATION
MACULAR DEGENERATION
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a problem with your retina. It happens when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged. With AMD you lose your central vision. You cannot see fine details, whether you are looking at something close or far.
But your peripheral (side) vision will still be normal. For instance, imagine you are looking at a clock with hands. With AMD, you might see the clock’s numbers but not the hands. AMD is very common. It is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 years or older.
MACULAR DEGENERATION
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TWO TYPES OF AMD
DRY AMD
This form is quite common. About 80% (8 out of 10) people who have AMD have the dry form. Dry AMD is when parts of the macula get thinner with age and tiny clumps of protein called drusen grow. You slowly lose central vision. There is no way to treat dry AMD yet.
WET AMD
This form is less common but much more serious. Wet AMD is when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. These vessels may leak blood or other fluids, causing scarring of the macula. You lose vision faster with wet AMD than with dry AMD.
Many people don’t realize they have AMD until their vision is very blurry. This is why it is important to have regular visits to an ophthalmologist. He or she can look for early signs of AMD before you have any vision problems.
MACULAR DEGENERATION DIAGNOSIS: HOW IS AMD DIAGNOSED?
During an eye exam, your ophthalmologist may ask you to look at an Amsler grid. This grid helps you notice any blurry or blank spots in your field of vision. Your ophthalmologist will also look inside your eye through a special lens. He or she can see if there are changes in the retina and macula.
Your ophthalmologist will put drops in your eye to dilate (widen) your pupil. This allows him or her to look through a special lens at the inside of your eye.
Your doctor may do fluorescein angiography to see what is happening with your retina. Yellow dye (called fluorescein) is injected into a vein, usually in your arm. The dye travels through your blood vessels. A special camera takes photos of the retina as the dye travels throughout its blood vessels. This shows if abnormal new blood vessels are growing under the retina.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is another way to look closely at the retina. A machine scans the retina and provides very detailed images of the retina and macula.
MACULAR DEGENERATION TREATMENT: HOW IS AMD TREATED? DRY AMD
Right now, there is no way to treat the dry form of AMD. However, people with lots of drusen or serious vision loss might benefit from taking a certain combination of nutritional supplements. A large study found those people may slow their dry AMD by taking these vitamins and minerals daily:
- Vitamin C (500 mg)
- Vitamin E (400 IU)
- Lutein (10 mg)
- Zeaxanthin (2 mg)
- Zinc (80 mg)
- Copper (2 mg)
WET AMD
To help treat wet AMD, there are medications called anti-VEGF drugs. Anti-VEGF treatment helps reduce the number of abnormal blood vessels in your retina. It also slows any leaking from blood vessels. This medicine is delivered to your eye through a very slender needle. Laser surgery may also be used to treat some types of wet AMD. Your eye surgeon shines a laser light beam on the abnormal blood vessels. This reduces the number of vessels and slows their leaking. Talk with your ophthalmologist about ways to treat your AMD.
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JOHN G. P. BOATWRIGHT, M.D.
Comprehensive Ophthalmology Cataract, Laser, and Refractive Surgery Consultative Ophthalmology
Board certified in ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery
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Comprehensive Ophthalmology Cataract, Laser, and Refractive Surgery Diabetes & Glaucoma
Board certified in ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery.
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Oculoplastics Orbital Neuro-Ophthalmic Surgery Comprehensive Ophthalmology Cataract, Laser, and Refractive Surgery
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Board certified in Ophthalmology & Ophthalmic surgery.
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KERRY D. SOLOMON, M.D.
Cataract, LASIK, and Advanced Vision Correction Director, Carolina Eye Research Institute Adjunct Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology
Board certified in Ophthalmology, High school: Choate/Rosemary Hall
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R. GRIFFIN BRAME, M.D.
Diseases of the Retina and Vitreous
Board certified in Ophthalmology, Specializes in the treatment of the retina, Undergraduate education: University of North Carolina, Medical school: Duke University School of Medicine
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BERDINE M. BURGER, M.D.
Comprehensive Ophthalmology Cataract, Laser, and Refractive Surgery
Her practice provides comprehensive and consultative personalized eye care.
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FRANCISCO A. FOLGAR, M.D.
Diseases of the Retina and Vitreous
Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
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Comprehensive Ophthalmology Cataract, Laser, and Refractive Surgery Cornea and External Disease
Dr. Grice is available for consultations concerning corneal dystrophies, dry eyes.
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Board certified in ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery.
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Comprehensive Ophthalmology, Cataract, Laser, and Refractive Surgery, Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
In his free time, Dr. Knowlton enjoys marathon running, traveling to interesting places around the world, kayaking, hiking, cooking, and enjoying.
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HELGA P. SANDOVAL, M.D, MSCR
Ophthalmology and Clinical Studies
Having grown up in Colombia, Dr. Sandoval is fluent in Spanish and English. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her son, traveling, meeting friends, and reading.
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LESLIE C. SCARLETT, M.D.
Comprehensive Ophthalmology Cataract and Eyelid Surgery Consultative Ophthalmology
In her spare time, Dr. Scarlett enjoys an active life with her husband and two children.
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ELIZABETH D. SHARPE, M.D.
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Dr. Sharpe has been involved with clinical research since the mid- 1980’s.
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ELIZABETH A. BRAUN O.D.
Optometric Physician
SC Licensed Clinical Optometrist, Undergraduate Education: The Ohio State University, Columbus Ohio, Optometry School: The Ohio State University of Optometry, Columbus Ohio
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KRISTEN GAYESKI-TINKLER, O.D.
Optometric Physician
SC Licensed Clinical Optometrist, Undergraduate Education: Emory University (Atlanta, GA), Optometry School: Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, FL).
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CHELSEA JOHNSON, O.D.
Optometric Physician
She is a fourth-generation graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, following the footsteps of her father, grandfather & great-grandfather.
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ALEXA L. ROWE, OD
Optometric Physician
Primary Eye Care, Contact lens prescribing and fitting, Dry Eye Diagnosis and Management, Surgical co-management with Carolina Eyecare Physicians surgeons
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CRYSTAL G. WHITTINGTON, O.D.
Optometric Physician
Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, Undergraduate education: East Carolina University (Greenville, NC), Optometry school: Southern College of Optometry (Memphis, TN).
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MALISSA LAROCHE, PA-C
Oculoplastic Physician Asssitant
Certified Physicians Assistant, Bachelor of Science degree (Biology).
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