Macular Degeneration

What is macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that causes the loss of your central vision. It develops when the center region of your retina (macula) gradually breaks down. AMD is the number-one cause of blindness in people 50 and older.

Wicker Park Eye Center offers diagnostic and treatment services for the two types of macular degeneration:

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the most common form of macular degeneration. The condition occurs when your macula gets thinner with age and clumps of proteins (called drusen) start growing.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is a less common condition but more severe. It develops when abnormal blood vessels grow under your retina. The vessels leak fluids, scarring the macula and leading to faster vision loss.

Dr. Tepper offers personalized care plans for macular degeneration. While there’s no way to prevent the condition, he can recommend lifestyle and diet strategies to lower your risk of macular degeneration and vision loss.

How do I know if I have macular degeneration?

The only way to confirm that you have macular degeneration is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Wicker Park Eye Center. Its especially important that you schedule routine exams if you have factors that increase your risk of macular degeneration, including:

• Weight challenges
• High-fat diet
• History of smoking
• Family history of AMD
• High blood pressure (hypertension)

Dr. Tepper reviews your medical history and thoroughly examines your eyes. He uses a special machine to scan your retina during optical coherence tomography (OCT) to identify abnormalities. You might also need an angiography to check for leaking fluids.

How is macular degeneration treated?

Wicker Park Eye Center offers several treatments for macular degeneration based on the stage of your AMD.

Dr. Tepper could recommend:

• Medication
• Injections
• Low-vision aids
• Laser surgery
• Photodynamic laser therapy

You can also benefit from lifestyle changes, daily exercise, and nutritional supplements to support your eye health and vision. During routine eye exams, Dr. Tepper monitors your condition and will adjust your treatment as needed.

Call Wicker Park Eye Center today to schedule a macular degeneration consultation or book an appointment online.