Macular degeneration eye care treatment

Macular degeneration – also called age-related macular degeneration – refers to conditions that affect the macula, which is the part of the eye responsible for seeing directly in front of you (central vision). It’s the top cause of legal blindness in people over age 55.

Types of macular degeneration

There are two types of age-related macular degeneration:

• Dry form occurs when the cells of the macula break down, which gradually blurs vision.
• Wet form occurs when new blood vessels grow under the retina (a layer of nerve tissue at the back of the eye). When the vessels begin to leak, it causes scarring on the retina, which can distort or even destroy central vision.

Services for macular degeneration

Though there’s no known cure or treatment for dry form macular degeneration, studies have shown that deficiencies of certain antioxidants may contribute to this condition. Your doctor may discuss adding these items to your diet to reduce your risk of macular degeneration.
Wet form macular degeneration has a number of treatment options, including injections, lasers, photodynamic therapy and medications.

Why Aurora Health Care?

At Aurora, we strive to offer convenient, compassionate care.

• Our ophthalmologists are on call 24/7, so if you have an eye emergency, we’re there to help.
• We offer hundreds of specialists under one roof. If your doctor notices another health issue during your exam, like symptoms of diabetes, he or she can get you an appointment with another Aurora specialist right away.
• Our clinics, hospitals and surgery centers provide care for a whole spectrum of eye issues.
• Aurora Vision Centers provide comprehensive optometry and ophthalmology services for your entire family at locations near you.