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Comprehensive Macular Degeneration Care
San Carlos Eye Care provides comprehensive macular degeneration care for patients throughout the Bay Area, including evaluation and monitoring for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We diagnose both dry and wet AMD and coordinate referral to a retina specialist when treatment for wet AMD is needed.
What is the Macula?
The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. It captures the images you see and sends visual information to the brain. At the center of the retina is the macula, a small but highly specialized area responsible for your clearest, most detailed central vision.
The macula provides the detailed central vision we rely on for many everyday activities. A healthy macula helps you:
- Read books, newspapers, and text messages
- Recognize faces
- Drive safely
- Watch television
- Distinguish fine details and colors
Although the macula makes up only a small portion of the retina, it plays an essential role in how clearly you see what is directly in front of you. Your peripheral, or side vision, is primarily provided by other areas of the retina.
When the macula becomes damaged, central vision may gradually become blurred, distorted, or less detailed. This can make everyday activities more difficult even when peripheral vision remains relatively intact.
What are Drusen?
Drusen are small yellow deposits that build up beneath the retina. They are made of proteins, fats, and other cellular material.
Throughout life, retinal cells are constantly working and producing waste products. Normally, the eye has systems that help remove this waste. As we age, these cleanup and transport processes can become less efficient, allowing cellular debris and other material to accumulate beneath the retina and form drusen. Inflammation, oxidative stress, genetics, and other age-related changes may also contribute to this buildup.
A few small drusen can occur with normal aging. However, larger or more numerous drusen can be a sign of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and may be associated with a greater risk of progression.
Drusen often do not cause noticeable symptoms at first, which is why regular eye examinations and retinal imaging are important for detecting and monitoring changes in the macula.
Who is at Risk?
Several factors can increase your risk of developing AMD, including:
- Age over 50: Risk increases as you get older, especially after age 60.
- Family history of macular degeneration: Having a close relative with AMD increases your risk.
- Smoking: Smoking is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for AMD.
- High blood pressure: Poorly controlled blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the retina.
- Cardiovascular disease: Conditions affecting your heart and blood vessels can increase your risk.
- Excessive UV light exposure: Long-term sun exposure may contribute to retinal damage.
- Poor dietary habits: Diets low in leafy greens, omega-3s, and antioxidants may raise your risk.
Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will develop
AMD, but regular eye examinations can help detect changes early.
Dry vs. Wet Macular Degeneration
There are two main types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD): dry AMD and wet AMD. Although both affect the macula, they differ in how they develop and how they are managed.