Macular Degeneration Specialist
As the leading cause of vision loss, macular degeneration affects roughly 10 million Americans and isn’t curable. The team of experts at Tayani Institute can help you manage your macular degeneration and slow the loss of your vision. With convenient locations in Orange County, California, the clinic offers many of today’s most innovative treatments in ocular medicine. To schedule your appointment for macular degeneration management, call the office nearest you or use the online booking tool today.
Macular Degeneration Q & A
What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is an eye disease without a cure, resulting in the gradual decline of your vision. The condition occurs when your retina — the area on the back of your eye that reflects incoming images — deteriorates with age.
The center portion of your retina, called the macula, allows your eyes to focus. When this part deteriorates, your vision becomes blurry and slowly fades away completely.
What are the stages of macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs in three stages based on the severity of your vision loss and how much the condition has progressed:
Early AMD
The earliest stage of macular degeneration usually doesn’t come with any noticeable vision loss and can only be identified by your ophthalmologist.
During a routine eye exam, your provider may notice fatty yellow or white spots below your retina, called drusen. These are an indicator of early macular degeneration and a signal that you should begin managing the condition.
Intermediate AMD
This stage of the condition may or may not come with a decline in your vision. Your ophthalmologist can identify it during an eye exam if he or she sees larger drusen below your retina or a change in the color of your retina.
Late AMD
If you have late macular degeneration, your vision has already begun to decline or you cannot see at all. If you notice any decline in your vision, you should visit your eye doctor as soon as possible.
How can I manage my macular degeneration?
Although the condition has no cure, managing your macular degeneration could mean the difference between keeping your vision for years or losing it quickly and completely. To slow down the loss of your vision, you should:
- Eat a nutritional diet
- Eat lots of fish
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid smoking
- Take recommended supplements
- Protect your eyes from the sun
If you’ve been diagnosed, you must continue coming to Tayani Institute for your routine eye exams so your provider can monitor the progression of your condition. Your exams are also a chance for you to ask your provider questions that arise about the disease and its management.
You can’t stop your macular degeneration, but catching it early and changing your lifestyle helps you retain your vision. To book an eye exam or to find out if you’re at risk of the leading cause of vision loss, call Tayani Institute or book your appointment online today.