Macular Degeneration

Vision distortion or impairment, especially among older adults, could be a sign of macular degeneration. At Saratoga Eye Institute in Saratoga, California, skilled ophthalmologist Dr. Ho Sun Choi, MD, screens for this eye disease and offers treatments that diminish your chance of complications — including permanent vision loss. Call the office to schedule an eye exam or book an appointment online today.

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that’s common among adults over 50. It can lead to poor central vision or blurry vision resulting from the thinning of the macula in the back part of your eyes. When left untreated, macular degeneration can reduce your vision enough to negatively affect driving, reading, and even facial recognition. That’s why early detection is vital.

What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration can cause the following symptoms:

• Visual distortion
• Straight lines appearing bent
• A need for brighter light when reading
• Central vision impairment
• Blurred vision
• Problems adapting to dim lighting
• Problems recognizing faces
• Decreased intensity of colors or brightness
• Blind spots
• Blurry spots in your vision

These symptoms may affect both of your eyes or just one eye. Early detection and treatment is the best way to prevent vision loss. 

What are the risk factors for macular degeneration?

The most common risk factors for developing macular degeneration include:

• Family history of macular degeneration
• Being over 60
• Caucasian race 
• Carrying excess body weight
• Smoking
• Heart disease

The best ways to reduce your chance of macular degeneration are not smoking and adopting other healthy habits. Eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and maintain an ideal body weight. Properly manage chronic diseases if you have them. 

How is macular degeneration diagnosed?

Dr. Choi diagnoses macular degeneration after reviewing your medical history and completing a comprehensive eye exam. He first tests your vision to look for signs of impairment and dilates your pupils before examining your eyes using specialized equipment. 

He may inject a colored dye into one of your veins to better identify certain types of macular degeneration. Dr. Choi uses eye imaging procedures as needed.

How is macular degeneration treated?

He treats macular degeneration by recommending healthy lifestyle changes, including a nutritious diet and proper chronic disease management. Schedule routine eye exams to allow Dr. Choi to monitor your eye’s health. 

You might take vitamin supplements, undergo low vision rehabilitation, or complete surgery to implant a lens into one of your eyes. Dr. Choi tailors each treatment to your personalized needs to reduce the chance of life-altering complications. 

To get screened for macular degeneration, schedule an appointment at Saratoga Eye Institute by phone or online today.