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3001 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 105
Troy, MI 48084
(248) 649-2820
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Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration comparison photos

Macular degeneration is a common condition, often asymptomatic early on, which affects older individuals increasingly after the age of 60. The macula is the center of the retina in the back of the eye and is responsible for the central part of the vision allowing us to read and see fine detail. With age, this central portion of the retina can undergo degenerative changes which, if severe, can lead to loss of central vision.

Recently it has become clear that genetics plays a major role in the susceptibility to macular degeneration and a positive family history in parents and siblings is a risk factor. Other risk factors include smoking, female gender and Caucasian race.

Macular degeneration is usually divided into two categories: wet and dry. The dry form is more common. In this case, the pigment layer behind the macula undergoes atrophy and can accumulate deposits of waste material, called “drusen”, which are visible to Dr. Greenberg as yellowish spots in the back of the eye.

Early on, dry macular degeneration may not affect the vision, but in more severe cases, vision can become blurred or blank areas may appear in the central vision. There is no known effective way of improving dry macular degeneration, but it has been proven that antioxidants lutein and zeathanthin, Zinc and vitamins E, and C, in specific doses, can slow progression and reduce the risk of vision loss.

Wet macular degeneration is the result of tiny abnormal new blood vessels that grow and break into the space behind the macula, causing leakage of blood and fluid. It is often preceded by dry degeneration, and Dr. Greenberg can identify people who may be at risk for the development of this more severe form of the disease. Wet macular degeneration is less common, but when it occurs, can cause more serious loss of vision. Symptoms may begin as gradual progressive blurring or distortion of the vision. Straight objects such as telephone poles or venetian blinds may appear crooked. Sometimes the loss of vision occurs abruptly and with no warning.

Macular degeneration can be diagnosed by Dr. Greenberg with a dilated fundus exam in the office. Many times other in-office testing, such as angiography, a photographic test involving the injection of intravenous dye, or ocular coherence tomography (OCT), a sophisticated digital imaging test of the macula, may be necessary to diagnose and formulate the appropriate treatment.

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3001 W. Big Beaver Rd. Suite 105 Troy, MI 48084

Located on the southwest corner of W. Big Beaver and Coolidge Hwy. across from Somerset Mall

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(248) 649-2820
FAX 248-649-1444

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vision@greenbergeye.com

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