Macular Degeneration in Lebanon, PA

If you live or work in Lebanon, Annville, Cleona, Myerstown or Cornwall, PA and believe you may have symptoms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), contact Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.

Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania provides state-of-the-art AMD care in Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montgomery and Schuylkill counties, using the latest techniques and treatments. All of our doctors are board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and continually update their skills and knowledge to offer patients the latest advancements in eye care.

• Meet Michael Cusick, MD
• Meet Anastasia Traband, MD

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that affects the macula, which is the part of the retina that allows you to see fine detail to read or drive. There are two forms – wet and dry.

Neither type of AMD causes any pain. The most common early sign of dry AMD is blurred vision, which is caused by the loss of function in macular cells. This blurred vision will often go away in brighter light. Eventually, there will be a small, but growing, blind spot in the center of the field of vision.

The classic early symptom of wet AMD is that normally straight lines appear crooked, similar to looking through a fun-house mirror. This is caused by blood vessels that grow underneath the retina and leak blood and fluid. The wet form of AMD usually leads to more serious vision loss.

Other AMD symptoms include:

• A dark or blind spot in the center of your field of vision
• Increasing blurriness of printed words
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• Difficulty distinguishing colors
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Loss of depth perception

AMD can only be detected through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Early detection of macular degeneration is very important because there are treatments that can prevent severe vision loss or slow the progression of the disease.

How Do We Treat Macular Degeneration?

If your eye doctor finds that you have AMD, the treatment will depend on which stage the disease is in and whether it is the dry form or the more advanced wet form.

Dry AMD – Currently, there is no form of medical treatment for dry AMD that can prevent vision loss. Studies by the National Eye Institute have indicated that taking certain vitamins and minerals might reduce the risk of developing advanced AMD.

Wet AMD – This more serious, and less common, form of AMD can be treated with laser surgery, photodynamic therapy (PDT) with or without injection of steroids into the eye, and the painless injection of drugs that attempt to stop abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. However, the disease and loss of vision may still progress even with treatment.

For more information about macular degeneration and the available treatment options in Lebanon, PA, contact Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania for an evaluation. We offer state-of-the-art care for patients who suffer from macular degeneration.