Macular Degeneration in Baton Rouge, LA

Macular degeneration is an eye disorder that negatively impacts the center of the retina called the macula. This condition can cause severe vision loss and is usually the result of old age. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. At Baton Rouge Eye Physicians, our seasoned ophthalmologists are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of both forms of macular degeneration. Regardless of the type, our team is here to help guide you through all your treatment options to slow down the disease and prevent further damage. Contact our office in Baton Rouge, LA to book an appointment today.

The ideal candidates for macular degeneration treatment are typically men and women over the age of 60 who are starting to notice changes in their vision, which can include blurriness, loss of detail, and dark areas in the central vision. While macular degeneration can be treated even if not caught early, prompt diagnosis and treatment can help slow progression, prevent further damage, and preserve eyesight quality longer. That's why at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians, we stress the importance of regular eye exams for those who are over the age of 60, have a family history of macular degeneration, are Caucasian, are obese, smoke, or have cardiovascular disease.

Diagnosing macular degeneration is usually accomplished with a comprehensive eye exam and other tests that capture detailed images of the retina. Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, our team can review your treatment options. Depending on the type of macular degeneration, your therapy may include medication, laser surgery, low-vision rehabilitation, or a corrective lens implant. Each treatment has its benefits and limitations, but all are geared toward slowing down the progression of the disease. Early detection can also increase the success rate of treatment.

How common is macular degeneration?

In the U.S., as many as 11 million people have some type of age-related macular degeneration. By 2050, that number is expected to double to 22 million.

What is the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration?

The difference between the two types of macular degeneration are:

• Dry macular degeneration — the most common type, occurring in 90% of cases, involves the slow breakdown of the light-sensitive cells of the retina.
• Wet macular degeneration — while only accounting for 10% of cases, it results in 90% of the cases of legal blindness. It is the advanced form of macular degeneration occurring after passing through the stage of dry macular degeneration. The typical cause is the leaking of blood or fluid into the macula by abnormal blood vessels.

What are some warning signs of macular degeneration?

Some of the early symptoms of macular degeneration include:

• Problems or difficulty adapting to low light levels and needing brighter light for reading or close work
• Haziness in your central vision
• Difficulty in recognizing faces
• A blind spot or blurred spot in the middle of your field of vision

Identifying macular degeneration as early as possible is key for preserving healthy vision. If you are over the age of 65, maintaining routine eye exams is highly encouraged. Call Baton Rouge Eye Physicians to set up an appointment if you have noticed changes in your vision or if it has been a while since your last checkup. Our office is centrally located in Baton Rouge, LA.