At our practice, we’re committed to helping you protect your central vision, especially as you age. One condition we carefully monitor is macular degeneration, a common eye disease that affects the macula—the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision used for reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

There are two main types: dry and wet macular degeneration. The dry form is more common and tends to progress slowly, while the wet form is less common but can cause more rapid vision loss.

Risk factors include age (over 60), family history, smoking, high blood pressure, poor diet, and excessive sun exposure.

While there’s no cure, there are several steps you can take to help slow its progression and protect your vision:

• Eat a diet rich in leafy greens, colorful fruits, and omega-3s
• Take eye health vitamins (such as those with the AREDS2 formula, if recommended)
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful sunlight
• Avoid smoking, which significantly increases your risk
  
  

We take the time during each eye exam to assess your risk, screen for early signs, and provide personalized guidance. If you are diagnosed with macular degeneration, we’ll work with you on a plan to monitor it closely and keep your vision as strong as possible for as long as possible.