Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central vision loss in people over 65 years of age in the United States. There are two general types of macular degeneration: Dry AMD and Wet AMD. Dry AMD is characterized by aging spots (i.e., drusen) in the macula. Dry AMD can ultimately lead to central vision loss when it progresses to its advanced form known as Geographic Atrophy (GA). Wet AMD is characterized by the growth of new blood vessels underneath the macula that can leak fluid or blood into the macula. Patients will classically present with a sudden decrease and/or distortion in their central vision.

Modifying risk factors such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and cigarette smoking can help prevent the development of AMD. AREDS2 vitamins, a diet rich in dark green leafy vegetables, and eye protection in UV light are recommended to decrease the risk of progression of AMD. Regular dilated eye examinations and ancillary diagnostic testing are essential to establishing a diagnosis of AMD and determining progression. 

Wet AMD is treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy. All medications used to treat Wet AMD are available at Hollywood Retina Consultants and include Avastin®, Lucentis®, Eylea®, and Vabysmo®. Geographic Atrophy, the advanced form of Dry AMD, can be treated with intravitreal Syfovre®.