Macular degeneration is an eye condition that occurs when the central portion of your retina deteriorates. The eye disease can cause central vision loss, making it more difficult to see fine details. If you were recently diagnosed with this condition, you likely have many questions. Use the guide below to learn more about this issue and what you can do about it.

What Are the Causes & Risk Factors?

While the exact cause of macular degeneration has yet to be determined, experts believe it’s linked to hereditary and environmental factors. If one of your parents, for example, has the eye condition, you may have a higher chance of developing it.

Age is another major risk factor. People over the age of 60 are more likely to develop this disease than their younger counterparts.

Lifestyle choices also affect your likelihood of developing this eye disease. Smokers are at a higher risk because the chemicals in cigarettes can damage the retina. Excessive sun exposure and not getting enough zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, or vitamin E can also increase your risk.

What Treatments Are Available?

Although there is no cure for this eye disease yet, various treatments can slow down the progression of the condition. For example, your eye doctor may suggest anti-angiogenic drugs, which stop new blood vessels from developing and prevent the existing abnormal vessels that cause the disease from leaking.

Laser therapy may also slow down the progression. During this procedure, your eye doctor will shine a high-energy laser into your eyes to address the abnormal blood vessels.

If you have additional questions about macular degeneration, turn to Dr. Brett K. Radow in Spencer, WV. He is committed to helping patients maintain healthy vision and can treat a variety of eye conditions, from nearsightedness to glaucoma. Dr. Radow and his staff treat every patient with warmth and compassion and accept many insurance options, including Medicaid and Medicare. For more information about his services, call (304) 927-5112 or visit the website.