What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is the most common cause of severe vision loss in those older than 65. The disease affects the macula which is the centermost part of the retina, and it controls our central. Our central vision helps us clearly and sharply see specific shapes, colors, and outlines. Every day, we use our central vision to perform specific tasks, including reading and driving. Unfortunately, as we start to age, the macula can start to weaken and deteriorate, particularly in adults 60 years and older. Macular degeneration has two types, dry and wet, and both are the main reason for vision loss in elderly men and women. Patients who have macular degeneration commonly have affected central vision but can use their peripheral vision to compensate for their progressive vision loss.

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Macular Degeneration Form

Dry and wet macular degeneration both happen as men and women start to age, but the symptoms can range for each person. Dry macular degeneration is typically the most common of the two types and progresses slower. Generally, patients with dry macular degeneration can keep some of their central and peripheral vision. Wet macular degeneration is the less common form, and the symptoms are faster and more severe. At Visionary Eye Surgeons, our team is proud to offer advanced vision services that help treat dry and wet macular degeneration.

If you have dry macular degeneration, you may experience certain symptoms, including:


  • Blurry or darkened vision, particularly when reading
  • Blind spots

Patients with wet macular degeneration may have symptoms, such as:


  • Blind spots
  • Central vision deterioration
  • Arched or contorted vision (like lines that appear rippled)

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If you start to develop tiny clusters of proteins within the macula that obscure, obstruct, and warp vision, this is typically caused by dry macular degeneration. For patients with wet macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels start to develop just below the retina, which causes liquid or blood to infiltrate into the retina. If this is left to continue without treatment you can be left with scarring that can permanently damage your vision. Unfortunately, doctors do not know the underlying reasons for what causes wet or dry macular degeneration. However, certain factors may increase your chances of developing the disease, including:


  • Genetic predisposition
  • Weight
  • Age
  • Skin type and eye color
  • Gender (particularly females)
  • Smoking
  • Overweight
  • High cholesterol or blood pressure

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What is Diabetic Macular Edema?

Currently, there is no cure for macular degeneration for either wet or dry, but with new innovative techniques and treatments, ophthalmologists can slow or stop this disease. At Visionary Eye Surgeons, our professional group of ophthalmologists is always knowledgeable about the latest research and technology for macular degeneration. If you have recently experienced any unusual changes in your eyesight, please call our office and schedule an appointment.

Book appointment →

Dry and wet macular degeneration both happen as men and women start to age, but the symptoms can range for each person. Dry macular degeneration is typically the most common of the two types and progresses slower. Generally, patients with dry macular degeneration can keep some of their central and peripheral vision. Wet macular degeneration is the less common form, and the symptoms are faster and more severe. At Visionary Eye Surgeons, our team is proud to offer advanced vision services that help treat dry and wet macular degeneration.

If you have dry macular degeneration, you may experience certain symptoms, including:


  • Blurry or darkened vision, particularly when reading
  • Blind spots

Patients with wet macular degeneration may have symptoms, such as:


  • Blind spots
  • Central vision deterioration
  • Arched or contorted vision (like lines that appear rippled)

Book appointment →

If you start to develop tiny clusters of proteins within the macula that obscure, obstruct, and warp vision, this is typically caused by dry macular degeneration. For patients with wet macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels start to develop just below the retina, which causes liquid or blood to infiltrate into the retina. If this is left to continue without treatment you can be left with scarring that can permanently damage your vision. Unfortunately, doctors do not know the underlying reasons for what causes wet or dry macular degeneration. However, certain factors may increase your chances of developing the disease, including:


  • Genetic predisposition
  • Weight
  • Age
  • Skin type and eye color
  • Gender (particularly females)
  • Smoking
  • Overweight
  • High cholesterol or blood pressure

Book appointment →

What is Diabetic Macular Edema?

Currently, there is no cure for macular degeneration for either wet or dry, but with new innovative techniques and treatments, ophthalmologists can slow or stop this disease. At Visionary Eye Surgeons, our professional group of ophthalmologists is always knowledgeable about the latest research and technology for macular degeneration. If you have recently experienced any unusual changes in your eyesight, please call our office and schedule an appointment.

Book appointment →

Treatment Options

If you have dry macular degeneration, we provide AREDS II vitamins that target vision loss caused by aging. AREDs II supplements have natural ingredients, such as Vitamin A, C, E along with zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which slow the progression or stop the symptoms from becoming worse. Additionally, our ophthalmologists may recommend certain lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation to help manage the symptoms and to help you live more comfortably.



In some circumstances anti-VEGF shots are used to stop or reduce the growth of irregular blood vessels that form with wet macular degeneration. EYLEA® and LUCENTIS® are injectables that are made with specific ingredients. If macular degeneration is detected soon enough, anti-VEGF shots are the preferred treatment choice. Typically they are needed every 4-6 weeks depending on factors related to the disease.

Regain Your Quality of Life

Our group knows that a macular degeneration diagnosis is stressful, or sometimes even scary, but please know that we strive to help you manage and feel knowledgeable about your treatment options. At Visionary Eye Surgeons, our ophthalmologists provide advanced treatment options that may improve your central vision and eye health.

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