Macular Degeneration

Up to 20 million Americans have some form of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss worldwide. At Retina Consultants of Muncie in Muncie, Indiana, vitreoretinal ophthalmologist Jeffrey Rapkin, MD, specializes in managing macular degeneration and its complications. Using a combination of diagnostic imaging, home monitoring, and outpatient treatments, he can preserve your eyesight and reduce the risk of complications. Call Retina Consultants of Muncie today to receive macular degeneration treatment or book online.

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an age-related eye disease that affects your central vision. If you have macular degeneration, you may have trouble seeing things directly in front of you. 

Macular degeneration damages the macula — the center of the retina. Your retina is a piece of tissue at the back of your eye that converts light into electrical signals. Your optic nerve sends those signals to your brain, where it’s interpreted into vision.

Are there different types of macular degeneration?

At Retina Consultants of Muncie, Dr. Rapkin treats both types of macular degeneration, including:

Dry macular degeneration

This type of macular degeneration occurs when tiny deposits of protein (drusen) form under your macula. Over time, the build-up of drusen damages your macula, causing central vision loss.

Wet macular degeneration

This type of macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels form beneath your macula and begin leaking. As the fluids build up, they cause your macula to bulge outward, affecting your central vision.

Both types of macular degeneration require prompt treatment, but wet macular degeneration is usually more severe.

How is macular degeneration diagnosed?

Dr. Rapkin reviews your medical records, completes an eye exam, and orders several tests, including:

Amsler grid test

An Amsler grid is a chart with straight lines and a dot in the center. If the lines appear blurry, wavy, or broken when you look at the chart, it indicates macular degeneration.

Dilated eye exam

Dr. Rapkin administers special eye drops that widen your pupils. Then, he uses a special lens to look at your retina, macula, and the other components at the back of your eyes. 

Optical coherence tomography

This imaging procedure takes cross-sectional photos of the back of your eye. It allows Dr. Rapkin to look at your macula and retina and identify damage.

After gathering the necessary info, Dr. Rapkin makes treatment recommendations.

How is macular degeneration treated?

There’s no cure for macular degeneration, but various treatments can slow its progression and preserve your vision. Dr. Rapkin typically recommends a combination of:

• Nutritional supplements
• Home monitoring
• Photodynamic therapy
• Laser therapy

These treatments can seal or destroy abnormal blood vessels at the back of your eye, prevent the build-up of drusen, and keep your retina in optimal condition. 

Call Retina Consultants of Muncie today to explore the treatments for macular degeneration, or book your appointment online.