Macular Degeneration – Information and Treatment – Minneapolis and Surrounding Areas

Macular degeneration, a degenerative eye condition, can be devastating if left untreated. Northwest Eye is dedicated to helping patients understand the condition and make fully-informed choices about their treatment options. We provide outstanding macular degeneration treatment for patients from Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, and surrounding Twin Cities areas, as well as patients from all over the globe. If you believe you have or are at risk for macular degeneration, contact Northwest Eye today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced ophthalmologists.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina that helps us see fine details. The macula slowly deteriorates, causing mild to severe vision loss. There are two main types of macular degeneration: wet (in which blood vessels grow beneath the retina, leaking blood and fluid into the retina) and dry (in which the macula thins).

Macular Degeneration Symptoms and Risk Factors

A person may be at risk for macular degeneration if he or she is over the age of 40, has a family history of the disease, has certain nutritional deficiencies, or overexposes himself or herself to UV radiation. The symptoms of macular degeneration include blurred, dimmed, or fuzzy vision, the appearance of a dark or empty area in the center of vision, and the appearance of straight lines (telephone poles, sentences on a page, etc.) as being wavy. Although macular degeneration does cause vision loss, the good news is that it does not cause total blindness, since the peripheral vision is unaffected. With proper treatment, patients can usually lead normal, independent lives.

Macular Degeneration Treatment

Although macular degeneration is not curable, its symptoms can be managed and its progression slowed. The best treatment is early intervention, since the disease is progressive. Treatment options include:

Dietary supplements - Evidence suggests that antioxidants or zinc supplements may help manage the disease.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) - The drug Visudyne® is injected into the bloodstream and activated with a laser. The drug helps destroy abnormal blood vessels under the macula.

Laser surgery - Patients with severe wet macular degeneration may benefit from laser surgery, which treats abnormal blood cells that have grown under the macula.

Low vision aids - Magnification devices, special glasses, bright lights, and other devices allow patients to utilize their peripheral vision and enjoy many of their favorite activities.

Contact Northwest Eye

Macular degeneration requires immediate treatment by talented experts. If you believe you have macular degeneration, contact Northwest Eye right away to schedule a consultation. We provide outstanding macular degeneration treatment for patients in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, and surrounding areas.