Pittsburgh's Top Eye Surgeons
Macular Degeneration
As we age, our eyes begin to change. One of those changes may be the development of age-related macular degeneration, which is a deterioration or breakdown of the tiny area in the center of the retina — the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of your eye — that produces clear central vision. Macular degeneration symptoms make it difficult to read, recognize faces, and can ultimately affect your independence and quality of life.
At Medical & Surgical Eye Associates, our board-certified ophthalmology team is experienced in diagnosing and treating macular degeneration. With our passion for leading-edge techniques and personalized care, we offer the latest macular degeneration treatment available to help slow the progression of the disease, preserve your vision, and allow you to live your life to the fullest.
If you're ready to receive the highest quality care for macular degeneration in Pittsburgh, Medical & Surgical Eye is ready to help. Schedule your first appointment with us online today and take the first step toward better vision.
Individualized Care for Macular Degeneration
Detecting and Treating Signs of Macular Degeneration
There are two types of macular degeneration:
- Dry macular degeneration, which is far more common, occurs when thinned areas of the retina release fatty deposits called drusen. These may accumulate under the retina and cause vision loss.
- Wet macular degeneration, which is less common but more serious, occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop under the retina and leak fluid or blood. This can cause rapid vision loss.
While there is no cure for macular degeneration, early detection and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and preserve your vision. Depending on the severity of your condition, our team may recommend lifestyle changes, macular degeneration medication, or surgery.
We offer a number of leading-edge surgical treatments for wet macular degeneration, including:
- Laser surgery, also called photodynamic therapy, involves injecting a light-sensitive drug into your bloodstream and then using a low-intensity laser to activate the drug. This destroys abnormal blood vessels and prevents them from leaking.
- Injections of anti-VEGF drugs, which are designed to block the growth of new blood vessels, may also be recommended. These are typically given every four to eight weeks.
If you have advanced macular degeneration, our team may recommend a surgical procedure called vitrectomy. This involves removing the blood and scar tissue from the middle of the eye, which can help improve vision.
No matter what stage of macular degeneration you're in, the team at Medical & Surgical Eye Associates is here to help. We offer comprehensive eye care and the latest treatments to help you maintain your vision and live well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common symptoms of macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a progressive disease, which means that it typically gets worse over time. In the early stages of macular degeneration, you may not notice any changes in your vision. But as the disease progresses, you may start to experience symptoms like:
- Blurry or distorted vision
- A dark or empty area in the center of your field of vision
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an experienced ophthalmologist right away.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help slow the progression of macular degeneration?
In addition to early detection and treatment, there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to help slow the progression of macular degeneration. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet rich in dark, leafy greens, fish, and other foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids.
- Exercising regularly.
- Quitting smoking.
- Wearing sunglasses that block out UV rays.
Does your eye specialist near me accept insurance?
Yes! Medical & Surgical Eye Associates is proud to accept insurance from providers across the Western Pennsylvania region in order to keep our care as accessible as possible. Visit our Insurance page to view our list of providers, and reach out to us with any questions you have about your coverage.
How can I get started with the best ophthalmologist near me?
At Medical & Surgical Eye Associates, we’ve made our appointment scheduling process as simple and user-friendly as possible. Just use our online scheduling tool to request an appointment at a time that works for you.