Diabetic Eye Conditions
August 29, 2017
Comprehensive Eye Exam
August 29, 2017
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss among people age 50 and older. It causes damage to the macula, which is a small spot near the center of the retina. It’s the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision, which lets us see objects that are straight ahead.
AMD by itself does not lead to complete blindness, but the loss of central vision caused by AMD can interfere with simple everyday activities, such as the ability to see faces, drive, read, write, or do close-up work.
The early and middle stages of AMD usually do not produce symptoms. Only a comprehensive dilated eye exam can detect AMD.
How is it treated?
While there is currently no treatment for early AMD, if detected your eye doctor will likely recommend that you get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year to help determine if your condition is advancing. If so, our eye doctors at Mississippi Eye Consultants offer multiple treatment options, including:
- Injections: One option to slow the progression of AMD is to inject a treatment drug into the eye. With some forms of AMD, your eyes secrete abnormally high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is a protein that promotes the growth of new abnormal blood vessels. Anti-VEGF injection therapy blocks this growth. You may require multiple monthly injections. For your comfort, your eye will be numbed prior to the procedure.
- Photodynamic therapy: This technique involves injecting a drug called verteporfin, which is absorbed by new and growing vessels, into your blood stream and then using laser treatment of select areas of the retina to activate the drug. The drug is designed to close off the new blood vessels, slow their growth, and slow the rate of vision loss into your blood stream. This procedure is less common than anti-VEGF injections. Your doctor may decide to use photodynamic therapy in combination with other AMD treatment options.
- Laser surgery: Certain cases may call for laser surgery. It involves using a laser to reduce the abnormal blood vessels. This treatment is more likely to be used when blood vessel growth is limited to a small area in your eye that can be easily targeted. This option may not be right for every patient, but may also help prevent more severe vision loss from occurring years later.
Amsler Grid
The Amsler Grid can be used to monitor a person’s central visual field. The grid is used to check if lines appear wavy or warped by a patient.
How to use:
- Hold the grid 12 to 15 inches away from your face in a room where light is consistent and without glare.
- Put on your reading glasses and cover one eye.
- Fix your gaze on the center black dot.
- While keeping your gaze fixed on the dot, try to see if any lines look wavy or distorted, dark, black, or if any areas of the visual field are missing.
- Mark any defects you notice on the chart.
- Repeat the test for each eye separately.
If you notice any new or worsening distortion, it is advisable to see your eye doctor promptly.
How is it treated?
While there is currently no treatment for early AMD, if detected your eye doctor will likely recommend that you get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year to help determine if your condition is advancing. If so, our eye doctors at Mississippi Eye Consultants offer multiple treatment options, including:
- Injections: One option to slow the progression of AMD is to inject a treatment drug into the eye. With some forms of AMD, your eyes secrete abnormally high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is a protein that promotes the growth of new abnormal blood vessels. Anti-VEGF injection therapy blocks this growth. You may require multiple monthly injections. For your comfort, your eye will be numbed prior to the procedure.
- Photodynamic therapy: This technique involves injecting a drug called verteporfin, which is absorbed by new and growing vessels, into your blood stream and then using laser treatment of select areas of the retina to activate the drug. The drug is designed to close off the new blood vessels, slow their growth, and slow the rate of vision loss into your blood stream. This procedure is less common than anti-VEGF injections. Your doctor may decide to use photodynamic therapy in combination with other AMD treatment options.
- Laser surgery: Certain cases may call for laser surgery. It involves using a laser to reduce the abnormal blood vessels. This treatment is more likely to be used when blood vessel growth is limited to a small area in your eye that can be easily targeted. This option may not be right for every patient, but may also help prevent more severe vision loss from occurring years later.
Amsler Grid
The Amsler Grid can be used to monitor a person’s central visual field. The grid is used to check if lines appear wavy or warped by a patient.
Click the button below to download a printable Amsler Grid with instrucitons on how to test yourself at home.
Amsler Grid phone apps for self-testing
Disclaimer: we do not endorse these specific applications. You are free to use any applications at your own discretion. Mississippi Eye Consultants, LLC nor it’s related entities, do not receive direct or indirect compensation in connection with these applications, it’s developers, or platforms. Not intended to diagnose or treat any health matters. Please refer to the app’s Privacy Statement, About description, and Disclaimers for more information about each apps specific information
Content provided in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. Content is for general informational purposes only. Consult a medical profession with any healthcare concerns. The views expressed on this website or linked materials are not legally binding. The views and opinions expressed on this website or linked opinions are not in association with each other. The content on the following links are not provided or maintained by or in any way affiliated with the Company. Please note that Mississippi Eye Consultants, LLC does not guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any information on these external websites.
Mississippi Eye Consultants, LLC assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of any 3rd party material. In no event shall Mississippi Eye Consultants, LLC or it’s related entities be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of 3rd party content or material. 3rd parties reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents related to their services at any time without prior notice. Mississippi Eye Consultants, LLC and it’s related entities do not warrant that the 3rd parties is free of viruses or other harmful components.
iOS Amsler Grid phone app
Amsler Grid App
This iPhone Macular Degeneration App was developed by Michael Ullman
Privacy Policy Link
About this app: “Keep an eye on your vision with our innovative the Amsler Grid App. Perfect for those with macular degeneration concerns or for anyone attentive to their ocular health.
Disclaimer: Seek a doctor’s advice in addition to using this app and before making any medical decisions.”
Android Amsler Grid phone app
Amsler Grid Daily
This Android app was created by ThymLerio Developer LLC
Privacy Policy Link
About this app: “Amsler Grid daily eye testing application is a tool for identifying distortion and or spots in your visual field. The app is design for your convenience to use at home to monitor any changes in your vision.
DISCLAIMER: The Amsler Grid Daily Eye Testing is intended to help you create a diary of any changes in your vision. It does not replaces or provides any medical examination from your doctor.”