Macular Degeneration Cape Coral
To learn about Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in Cape Coral, schedule an appointment with the highly qualified eye doctors at Elmquist Eye Group. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among people age 60 and older, and early detection can help preserve your vision.
Elmquist Eye Group has served Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Southwest Florida for more than two decades. E. Trevor Elmquist, DO, Kate Wagner, OD, his partner, and Sarah Eccles-Brown, MD and Nina Burt, OD, his associates, provide a complete range of services, including comprehensive eye exams and diagnosis and treatment of macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, dry eyes and other eye conditions.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Age-Related Macular Degeneration, otherwise known as AMD, is a common eye condition that affects a part of the retina called the macula, which enables you to see fine detail to read or drive. There are two forms:
Dry AMD – Nearly 90% of individuals with AMD have the dry form of the condition, and all patients with wet AMD had the dry form first. Scientists are still unsure about what causes it, but research suggests that part of the retina becomes diseased, which leads to the slow breakdown of the macular cells and a gradual loss of central vision.
Wet AMD – Wet AMD is less common than Dry AMD, but is responsible for the more serious vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when new blood vessels grow underneath the retina and leak blood and fluid under the macula. This causes permanent damage to the macula and can result in blind spots in your central vision.
What are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
It is not unusual for AMD to have no noticeable symptoms in its earliest stages. Vision loss is typically gradual, and there is no pain or discomfort. In rare cases, individuals may experience sudden loss of vision. If you have any of the following symptoms, it is important to get in touch with Elmquist Eye Group right away.
- Lines that are normally straight appear wavy or bent.
- There is a dark or blind spot in the center of your field of vision.
- Printed words become increasingly blurry.
- You have difficulty recognizing faces or distinguishing colors.
- Your eyes become more sensitive to bright lights.
- You experience a loss of depth perception.
It is possible for macular degeneration to affect only one eye. If that is the case, you may not notice any vision changes because the unaffected eye will compensate for any vision loss or distortion. Unless you have regular dilated eye exams, you may not notice any vision changes until the second eye is affected.
How is Macular Degeneration Detected?
AMD can only be detected through a comprehensive dilated eye exam which includes a visual acuity test to measure how well you are able to see at various distances.
During a dilated eye exam, drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Then we use a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of AMD and other eye problems.
The tests performed at Elmquist Eye Group are non-invasive and painless. Depending on the findings and severity, we may refer you to a retinal specialist for treatment.
If you live or work in Cape Coral and think you may have some of the symptoms of macular degeneration, call Elmquist Eye Group as soon as possible at (239) 936-2020 to make an appointment.