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Can Macular Degeneration Of Eye Be Treated?
My mother who is 83, was having a vision problem with mostly one eye. She saw her optometrist who referred her to the local ophthalmology clinic. After an exam and OCT, was scheduled to come back for the retinal specialist. Three weeks later, the retinal doc said she had macular degeneration (the first we heard of this) and her left eye was virtually blind with no treatment indicated, and the right eye is failing also. Needless to say, she is frightened and devastated. She had a severe stroke over 20 years ago, which left her unable to walk or use her left arm and hand. Her hearing is poor even with hearing aids. She spent her days reading voraciously until about a month and a half ago. My question is, should she get a second opinion? There are no ophthalmologists near her hometown, and she doesn t go out much in this bad weather (Western PA). However, I feel that we should act on this as soon as possible.
Mon, 3 Feb 2014
Hello
Macular degeneration is a age related degeneration affecting the macula. It is one of the leading causes of blindess in western countries.
The disease exists in two forms dry and wet. Dry form will not lead to much visual problems.
The wet form leads to visual problems and the disease can be treated if diagnosed in the initial stages. The treatment is by intravitreal injections of anti vascular endothelial growth factors or by laser Photocoagulation.
Hence I advice you to consult retina specialist at the earliest for treatment.
Thank you
Macular degeneration is a age related degeneration affecting the macula. It is one of the leading causes of blindess in western countries.
The disease exists in two forms dry and wet. Dry form will not lead to much visual problems.
The wet form leads to visual problems and the disease can be treated if diagnosed in the initial stages. The treatment is by intravitreal injections of anti vascular endothelial growth factors or by laser Photocoagulation.
Hence I advice you to consult retina specialist at the earliest for treatment.
Thank you
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