Macular Degeneration Treatment at Bassett Healthcare Network
March 5, 2019Categories: Eye Care, MyHealthy Decisions
Spot Eye Problems Early
Treatment can preserve vision and independence.
"I was watching TV and noticed what was like a blur in my left eye," says Diane Schultz, 77. "It wasn't bad, but I knew something wasn't right. I went to my optometrist, who referred me to Dr. Khedr, and he informed me that I have age-related macular degeneration. I am very happy that there is treatment, which seems to be very successful.
"I do have five kitties in my house who are my whole life," says Schultz, who lives in Herkimer County. "I enjoy them and take very good care of them."
Along with taking care of her cats, another necessary activity is driving. "I need to drive about 15 miles each way to get to a store, and it also gets me out of the house," she says.
A Serious Condition
Schultz's story of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common one; AMD is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in people aged 40 and older. And risk and progression increase with age.
AMD occurs when a part of the retina, called the macula, is damaged. The macula provides our pinpoint vision and allows us to see details clearly, so we can drive, read and recognize faces.
With AMD, while peripheral (or side) vision remains, you cannot see fine details. Imagine you are looking at an analog clock. A person who has AMD might see the clock's numbers but not the hands.
Be on the Lookout
"People may not realize they have age-related macular degeneration until it's too late, but caught early enough, as in Diane's case, treatment can keep AMD under control," says Sherif Khedr, MD, a Bassett Healthcare Network ophthalmologist specializing in retinal diseases.
Treatment for Schultz's case involves injecting medication into the eye to stabilize the retina. The ophthalmologist closely follows AMD patients to determine how many treatments are necessary.
"I've always been taken care of at Bassett, and I'm happy for that quality care," says Schultz.
