Macular Degeneration

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is due to damage to the central part of the retina called the macula. The macula is responsible for our most detailed and central vision. Typically, this condition begins around the age of 60 or older. AMD will not cause total blindness because it only affects the central vision.

Macular Degeneration

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is due to damage to the central part of the retina called the macula. The macula is responsible for our most detailed and central vision. Typically, this condition begins around the age of 60 or older. AMD will not cause total blindness because it only affects the central vision.

Macular Degeneration symptoms can be mild or severe
& can include

  • A distortion of straight lines
  • Distortion of peoples faces when looking directly at them.
  • An overall decrease in quality of vision.
  • A dark or empty area centrally.

Macular Degeneration symptoms can be mild or severe
& can include

  • A distortion of straight lines
  • Distortion of peoples faces when looking directly at them.
  • An overall decrease in quality of vision.
  • A dark or empty area centrally.

There are 2 kinds of macular degeneration: dry and wet.

  • Dry macular degeneration is the most common type of AMD. Symptoms may be so insignificant that it may go unnoticed until you have a dilated exam.
  • Wet macular degeneration is less common and more server. Patient with wet macular degeneration may need to be treated with injections from retinal specialist

Early detection of macular degeneration is important. Visit your ophthalmologist on a regular basis as you age so that proper treatment plans can be performed at an early stage.

A scan of your eyes can be done with a machine called the OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography). An OCT can evaluate the thickness and health of the retina. Any of our qualified doctors can monitor the health of your macula.

Additionally you can be proactive at home by using an amsler grid. An amsler grid is a simple grid chart with a dot in the middle. When used correctly it can show problem spots in your field of vision. Talk to your doctor about using an amsler grid or download and print out ours here. Can I link a downloadable PDF here? This grid should not replace routine visits to your eye doctor.

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Utah Valley Eye!

  • Met some of the best people here. Dr. Cook has picked some of the best support staff. Everyone is professional and friendly. Dr. Cook sets you at ease right away. He explains how he sees it going forward so you can relax about it. He is very professional and yet down to earth in working with you. I felt like I was being put first in all of our conversation. The follow up has been great with lots of questions to make sure they are getting the correct information. I have another procedure in the near future and Dr. Cook is my request.

    Rick Llewelyn

  • I had started experiencing left eye problems. Being from out of state I wasn’t sure where to go. I was able to find your facility online and was able to quickly set up an appointment. You’re facility is very nice. It’s very modern and up-to-date. Everyone was very nice and very friendly. I was seen by Dr. Haggard and really appreciate how thorough that he was and how he explained everything in great detail. In the end all the issues were resolved for which I’m very thankful. Thank you very much! Mike Olson

    Michael Olson

  • I had started experiencing left eye problems. Being from out of state I wasn’t sure where to go. I was able to find your facility online and was able to quickly set up an appointment. You’re facility is very nice. It’s very modern and up-to-date. Everyone was very nice and very friendly. I was seen by Dr. Haggard and really appreciate how thorough that he was and how he explained everything in great detail. In the end all the issues were resolved for which I’m very thankful. Thank you very much!

    Walter Nicholes