Age Related Macular Degeneration Screening

Macular degeneration is a disease that causes patients to lose the central portions of their vision. There are two types of macular degeneration. The most common is dry – which is usually slower progressing, and wet (less common), which progresses faster. Dr. Haas screens for macular degeneration by looking at the retina inside your eye through a dilated eye exam. Photos and a retinal scan are performed to take a closer look. Macular degeneration has no cure but progress can be slowed by eating healthy, taking vitamin supplements, and not smoking. Dr. Haas believes careful monitoring of this disease makes a big difference.

Macular degeneration is one of the most common forms of blindness in older adults. It affects the central portions of the field of vision, often resulting in an inability to recognize faces. Dr. Haas screens for both types of macular degeneration—wet and dry—by inspecting the retina after dilating the pupils, and performing retinal scans or high resolution photographs when necessary.

Macular degeneration cannot be cured, but it can be controlled, and even slowed, by following a healthier diet. As with other eye diseases, careful monitoring and early detection are critical.

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