Tears are necessary to keep our eyes moist and health. This helpful video from the American Academy of Ophthalmology will help answer questions and explain common eye diseases and treatments.
Age-related Macular Degeneration
AMD effects many people as they age. These helpful videos from the American Academy of Ophthalmology can help answer your questions and explain many common eye diseases and treatments.
-
How the Eye Works and AMD
The macula is a small area at the center of the retina that gives us our pinpoint central vision. The area of retina surrounding the macula gives us our peripheral vision. AMD is a breakdown of the macula. When the macula doesn't work properly, your central vision can be diminished. Learn more at http://www.geteyesmart.org. -
Dry AMD
The retina is made up of many layers, which work together so we see clearly. In people with dry AMD, the layer under the retina, known as the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is affected by deposits called drusen, as well as other age-related changes. These changes may cause vision to deteriorate. Learn more at http://www.geteyesmart.org. -
Wet AMD
With wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels begin to grow under the retinal layers behind the macula. These blood vessels leak fluid or bleed, which further blurs or distorts central vision. About ten percent of people with macular degeneration have the wet form of the disease. Learn more at http://www.geteyesmart.org. -
Amsler Grid
If you have a macular degeneration diagnosis, you can use an Amsler grid to detect changes in your central vision. AMD typically causes straight lines to appear wavy or blurry, or areas to appear dark or blank. If you notice any changes in the grid, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. Learn more at http://www.geteyesmart.org. -
Fluorescein Angiography for AMD
With fluorescein angiography, a small amount of yellow dye is injected into your arm and circulates throughout the blood vessels in your body. A special camera takes pictures of the retina and blood vessels, which are illuminated with dye. Problem areas affected by AMD will show up in the images. Learn more at http://www.geteyesmart.org. -
Photodynamic Therapy PDT Treatment
PDT uses a combination of a light-activated drug and a low-power laser. The drug is injected into the patient and travels to the abnormal vessels behind the central macula, attaching only to molecules in wet AMD blood vessels. The laser causes damage specifically to these unwanted vessels. Learn more at http://www.geteyesmart.org. -
Anti VEGF Treatment for AMD
You and your ophthalmologist may choose anti-VEGF treatment for your wet AMD, to reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels and slow their leakage. After your eye has been numbed with an anesthetic, the anti-VEGF drug is injected into the eye with a very fine needle in an outpatient procedure. Learn more at http://www.geteyesmart.org.
Related Posts
