Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration Treatment from Your Optometrist in Jonesboro, AR

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is increasingly in the news.  It is the top cause of vision loss among seniors and affects more than 10 million U.S. residents.

Patients who visit our Fletcher Family Eyecare practice in Jonesboro, AR can take a proactive approach to the best eye care by undergoing regular exams from our eye doctor.

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Understanding Macular Degeneration

According to our optometrist, there are two types of macular degeneration:  dry and wet.  Although each wet AMD occurrence started as dry AMD, not all patients with the dry type develop the wet form.

Neither is curable.  Our eye doctor explains that AMD has no identified cause, nor are there any preventive steps.  Heredity, advancing years, and environmental factors most likely play a role in its development.

Both types of AMD result from alterations in the middle portion of the retina known as the macula.  As this area undergoes damage, loss of central vision follows.

Symptoms

AMD symptoms typically progress so slowly that patients don’t notice them.  Our optometrist stresses that timely exams are essential for early diagnosis and optimal vision preservation. 

Wet and dry AMD share some symptoms.  The dry form usually develops in both eyes and progresses slowly.  Common symptoms include:

  • Reduced central vision
  • Increasing blurring of print
  • Difficulty distinguishing faces
  • Bent appearance of straight lines
  • Needing brighter light to do close work
  • Reduced color brightness or intensity
  • Growing problems adjusting to lower light

Wet AMD patients typically experience these signs:

  • Reduced color intensity or brightness
  • Eyesight that seems hazy
  • A blind spot or centralized blurring
  • Quick appearance or increase of symptoms
  • Reduced vision in the central field
  • Seeing straight lines as bent

Treatment Options

There is no cure for AMD.  However, by following the advice of our eye doctor, individuals can lower the risk of its development and possibly slow the advancement of dry AMD.

Our optometrist carefully monitors our macular degeneration patients.  Treatment options for wet AMD include eye injections and photodynamic therapy.

Specific over-the-counter nutritional supplements benefit some patients.  Helpful self-care includes smoking cessation, protecting the eyes from ultraviolet exposure, and losing any excess weight.

Schedule an Exam with Our Eye Doctor in Jonesboro, AR

Patients who visit our Jonesboro, AR optometry practice love our one-on-one approach, whether at a scheduled or an emergency visit.  Our Fletcher Family Eyecare practice is a full-service vision care provider.  Whether you need a comprehensive eye exam, corrective eyewear, pre- or post-surgical care, or diagnosis of disorders such as macular degeneration, we can help.  Take a moment to call us today at (870) 930-9200 to schedule an exam with our eye doctor and join our patient family.

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you.

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Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

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