Comprehensive Treatment for Macular Degeneration at Our Offices Serving the greater Denver Area
The macula of the eye is in the center of the retina and is associated with seeing fine detail, a necessity for activities such as reading, driving, or working on a computer. When the macula becomes damaged, either due to cellular breakdown or the leakage of blood vessels in the retina, it is known as macular degeneration and it can lead to vision loss. Macular degeneration occurs mainly in people 60 years of age or older. The physicians at Vision Care Specialists offer specialized testing to check for and monitor the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at our offices located in and around the Denver Metro area.
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) image
Our practice has now added two technologically advanced or state-of-the-art Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) units which will allow our doctors to monitor changes in the macula that indicate signs of the shift from "dry" macular degeneration to the "wet" form.If deterioration is found, our physicians can determine the type of macular degeneration present and, if possible, proceed to treat the condition accordingly.
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Types of Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is classified into two categories: wet AMD and dry AMD. Wet AMD concerns the build up of blood vessels beneath the macula, which leak and shift the macula from its normal position. With wet AMD, vision loss occurs rapidly. Dry AMD involves the breakdown in the cells of the macula. Vision loss is gradual and patients notice that their vision becomes blurry before they eventually lose their central vision.
Macular degeneration is detected in a comprehensive eye exam at one of our Denver-area offices. Diagnostic tests, including the Retinal Exam, as well as OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) can help our optometrists or ophthalmologist assess if damage is present on the macula. If deterioration is found, our physicians can determine the type of macular degeneration is present and, if possible, proceed to treat the condition accordingly.
Amazing Technology
There area approximately 4000 optomap® devices worldwide with most of those in North America. As of March 2011, over 29 million optomap® retinal exams have been undertaken. Our practice is proud to bring you this amazing technology to assist our doctors in early detection of retinal problems. Some problems detected are common like the vitreous floaters many patients experience; others are quite serious and require a referral immediately to a retinal specialist for further evaluation and often surgical treatment!
Healthy Retina
Retina w/Macular Degeneration
Treatment of Macular Degeneration
While dry AMD occurs in stages, wet AMD is considered an advanced stage that progresses until the patient loses their central vision. Dry AMD can turn into wet AMD, as the deterioration of the macula advances through the stages.
Dry AMD is incurable and untreatable. However, our physicians can monitor the progression of macular degeneration with the OCT instrument and will also recommend dietary changes that can help delay vision loss. Though wet AMD is incurable, there are treatments available to delay the progression of vision loss and halt damage. Treatments for this type of macular degeneration include photodynamic therapy and laser photocoagulation. Since the progression of wet AMD is so rapid, it is imperative to seek treatment as soon as this type of macular degeneration is diagnosed. Vision Care Specialists continues to provide the most advanced technology available utilizing Optical Coherence Tomography to assist our doctors in catching the early changes from dry to wet macular degeneration quickly.
Contact Vision Care Specialists for a Diagnostic Test for Macular Degeneration
Eye examinations for patients over the age of 60 should include a diagnostic test for the presence of macular degeneration. If you notice that your vision is blurry or reduced, contact the experienced physicians at Vision Care Specialists at one of our 5 Denver Metro area locations for a comprehensive eye exam. Treatment for macular degeneration can stave off total vision loss.
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Vision Care Specialists
The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Vision Care Specialists is eager to provide premium eye care whether you seek LASIK refractive surgery, an updated contact lens prescription, or treatment for an eye condition. Conveniently located in downtown Denver, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, and Lakewood, you can schedule an appointment to see an optometrist at a Vision Care Specialists office near you!
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