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Age Related Macular Degeneration,Patient Education
Have you ever experienced moments when reading the small print on your phone or seeing details in the distance became more difficult? You may have attributed it to aging, tired eyes, or simply not getting enough rest. However, changes like blurry or distorted vision could be signs of a more serious condition, such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). If left untreated, AMD can severely impact your ability to perform everyday tasks. At Eye Care of San Diego, we emphasize the importance of comprehensive eye exams for detecting such conditions early on, allowing us to offer you the best options for managing and preserving your vision.
The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams
When most people think of an eye exam, they often assume it’s just for getting a new prescription for glasses or contacts. But a comprehensive eye exam is far more than that. It’s a thorough evaluation of the health of your eyes and visual system. The retina, located at the back of your eye, is a critical component of this system. It’s responsible for processing the light signals that your eyes receive and sending them to your brain, allowing you to see. If there’s a problem with the retina, it can lead to significant vision loss or even blindness.
What Your Eye Exam Can Detect
A thorough eye exam looks for signs of various retinal conditions that may not show obvious symptoms in their early stages. Here are some of the key retinal conditions that a comprehensive eye exam can detect:
Retinal Detachment or Tears
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. It happens when the retina lifts or tears away from the back of the eye, and it can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. Symptoms of retinal detachment can include sudden flashes of light, floaters (small specks or strands that seem to float in your vision), or a shadow or curtain in your field of vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy
If you have diabetes, you’re at an increased risk for diabetic retinopathy, a condition that causes damage to the blood vessels in your retina. Over time, these damaged vessels can leak blood or fluid, leading to vision problems. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not show symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are crucial for individuals with diabetes.
Hypertensive Retinopathy
High blood pressure (hypertension) can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, a condition known as hypertensive retinopathy. Even though this condition often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms at first, it can lead to long-term damage to your eyes if left untreated.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare, inherited condition that causes gradual vision loss, starting with night blindness and progressing to a loss of peripheral (side) vision. This condition can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam, where the doctor looks for characteristic signs such as pigment changes in the retina and narrowing of blood vessels. Early detection helps in managing the progression of the disease and planning for future care.
Macular Hole or Epiretinal Membrane
Conditions like macular holes or epiretinal membranes affect the center of your vision, causing distortion or blurriness. These issues can make it difficult to perform tasks like reading, driving, or recognizing faces. Through detailed imaging techniques like OCT, it can spot these conditions early.
Advanced Stage Age Related Macular Degeneration
CentraSight Implantable Miniature Telescope Treatment
The Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT) is a valuable treatment option that Eye Care of San Diego offers patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). AMD affects the central vision, making it difficult to see fine details and recognize faces. For patients with End-Stage AMD, traditional treatments are no longer effective, and vision loss can become more severe. However, there is hope for these patients through CentraSight’s Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT)Treatment Program.
IMT is a unique treatment option for people suffering from End-Stage AMD who are no longer candidates for injections or laser treatments. It involves the implantation of a tiny, advanced telescope into the eye, which magnifies central vision and may allow patients to see more clearly. This telescope has the potential to help patients see better thereby increasing independence with daily tasks such as reading, watching television, and recognizing faces.
The procedure involves surgically implanting a small telescope into the eye, which improves central vision while the other eye retains peripheral vision. While the telescope doesn’t restore perfect vision, it can significantly enhance the ability to perform essential tasks. Patients typically undergo extensive testing to determine if they are suitable candidates for the IMT implant.
Are You a Candidate for IMT?
Not everyone with AMD will be eligible for IMT. To qualify for this innovative treatment, patients must meet specific criteria, including:
- A diagnosis of End-Stage AMD in both eyes.
- A loss of central vision due to AMD, but still with some peripheral vision remaining.
- No history of prior cataract surgery in the eye to be implanted.
- A stable eye condition with no active macular edema or wet AMD.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with End-Stage AMD, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Eye Care of San Diego to explore whether IMT could be right for you.
Why Regular Eye Exams Are Essential
As you can see, the retina plays a critical role in your overall vision. Many retinal conditions, including AMD, develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. That’s why it’s crucial to stay on top of your eye health by scheduling regular, comprehensive eye exams. Early detection allows for early intervention, which can preserve vision and prevent further deterioration.
At Eye Care of San Diego, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive care for AMD patients, along with other retinal conditions. We specialize in the diagnosis and management of AMD, and if necessary, we will refer you to other trusted retinal specialists for further care. We want to help you protect and preserve your vision for years to come.
Get Started Today!
Don’t wait until your vision worsens. If you’re noticing changes in your vision or haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam in a while, call us today to schedule an appointment. At Eye Care of San Diego, we offer expert care with the latest technology and a compassionate team dedicated to your eye health. Call us at (800) 765-2737 to book your appointment today.
Protecting your vision starts with taking action now. Let us help you preserve the gift of sight for years to come.