#1 – What is Age Related Macular Degeneration?
Age Related Macular Degeneration (also referred to as AMD) occurs when the central part of the retina, known as the Macula, deteriorates. Unfortunately, the macula plays an important role in vision, specifically providing central vision that allows us to see objects straight ahead.

There are two different types of Age Related Macular Degeneration – Dry AMD and Wet AMD.

Most patients suffering from this eye disease have Dry AMD, which is considered an early stage. Dry Macular Degeneration is diagnosed by the presence of yellow deposits, called drusen, on the back of the eye. Patients with Dry AMD may notice gradual vision loss, however it isn’t normally as severe as patients with Wet AMD.

Wet Macular Degeneration is less common and affects approximately 10% of the patients suffering from Macular Degeneration. This more advanced stage can produce increased damage, resulting in more severe vision loss. This occurs when blood vessels grow under the retina, leaking fluid and blood, causing significant damage to the retina cells around it.

#2 – What are the Symptoms of Age Related Macular Degeneration?
The progression of this disease can vary from patient to patient. Some folks notice a rapid loss of vision, while others may not notice any vision changes for a long period of time.

According to the American Optometric Association, below are some common symptoms of Age Related Macular Degeneration.

• Gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly.
• Objects appear distorted in shape. Straight lines look wavy or crooked.
• Loss of clear color vision.
• A dark or empty area appears in the center of vision.

#3 – Are there Treatment Options for Macular Degeneration?
Sadly, the visual damage that occurs as a result of Macular Degeneration is generally irreversible. There currently is no cure for Dry Macular Degeneration, however research suggests that a healthy nutritional diet may slow vision loss, and prevent or slow progression to the Wet AMD stage.

Although there is no cure for Wet Macular Degeneration, there are a few treatment options that may help to restore some vision, and aim to halt further vision loss. These treatments include medications, injections, laser surgery and the CentraSight Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT).

If you’ve yet to hear about the IMT procedure, it’s a new treatment program that utilizes a tiny telescope to improve the vision and quality of life for patients with End-Stage AMD. We are pleased to offer this cutting-edge technology at Minnesota Eye Consultants. For more information about this treatment program, visit www.centrasight.com or call 1-877-997-4448.

With any eye disease, prevention is key. Make sure to see your family eye doctor for regular eye exams, and be sure to disclose any information about recent changes in your vision.

Sources: American Optometric Association, National Eye Institute, All About Vision.

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Approximately 10 million Americans are affected by Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and understand how challenging and devastating this disease can be.

The Macula is located at the back of the eye, and is responsible for providing pertinent central vision to patients. When the Macula deteriorates or breaks down, patients start to loose their central vision, along with the ability to see fine details (such as threading needles, reading newspaper print and seeing signs while driving).

Although there is no cure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, there is a treatment program and procedure available for patients with End-Stage AMD. CentraSight is a treatment program that utilizes an Implantable Miniature Telescope to improve visual acuity and quality of life for patients suffering from End-Stage AMD.

Once implanted, the miniature telescope magnifies images 2.7 times, which allows central vision images to be projected onto healthy parts of the eye. This magnification reduces the “blind spot” and allows the patient to distinguish and discern images that may have been unrecognizable prior to surgery.

The CentraSight program is made up of an entire team of eye care specialists, including low vision physicians, retina specialists, cornea surgeons and occupational therapists. As corneal specialists, Drs. David R. Hardten and Sherman W. Reeves are proud to be part of a local team of physicians offering this treatment to patients.

All potential candidates are screened by CentraSight case managers prior to setting up an evaluation. If you’d like more information on the CentraSight treatment program or would like to see if you qualify, visit www.centrasight.com or call 1-877-997-4448.

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