Macular Degeneration Louisville Eye Doctor Macular Degeneration Symptoms

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Phone: (502) 589-1500 or (800)999-3036

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What is Macular Degeneration?

Age Related Macular Degeneration, also referred to as ARMD or simply macular degeneration, occurs when the cells in the macula break down causing vision loss in the central part of the field of vision. Most often ARMD is a slow, progressive and painless disease affecting both eyes. There are two main types of ARMD: Dry (atrophic) ARMD and Wet (exudative) ARMD.

Eye Care Degeneration Dry ARMD accounts for 90% of all patients diagnosed with this disease. Dry ARMD occurs when small deposits, called drusen, begin to accumulate under the macula. These deposits gradually break down the light sensing cells in the macula, causing distorted vision. It is important to monitor dry ARMD closely as it can lead to the more aggressive form called Wet ARMD.

Wet ARMD occurs when tiny, new, abnormal blood vessels begin to grow behind the retina toward the macula. These blood vessels often leak blood and fluid that can damage the macula, causing rapid and severe vision loss. Wet ARMD almost always occurs in patients who already have dry ARMD.

Can Macular Degeneration Be Cured?

Dry ARMD cannot be cured, but should be monitored by Dr. Sean Murphy regularly, so that the ARMD does not develop into advanced Wet ARMD. Between visits, patients can use the Amsler grid to check on progression of the disease. The lines on the Amsler grid are square, when your vision begins to make the lines appear curved, please call us to schedule another appointment.

While there is no cure for wet ARMD, there are several treatment options for Wet ARMD, which may slow down the progression of the disease, thereby slowing down the vision loss.

The most common form of wet ARMD treatment involves injecting a photosensitive medicine in form of a dye through an IV in a patient’s arm. Once the normal blood flow of the body brings the medicine to the patient’s eye, a laser beam is used to destroy the abnormal blood vessels. This treatment is called Ocular Photodynamic Therapy, or Photodynamic Therapy, or just PDT. The drug injected intravenously is called Visudyne. This PDT laser treatment is performed at our offices on Story Avenue.

Recently, several drugs have become approved by the FDA to treat wet ARMD. These are injected into the area toward the back of the eye. These injections are performed by Dr. Sean Murphy while the patient is at our offices.

How Do I Know Which ARMD Treatment Is Right For Me?

After a thorough dilated eye examination by Dr. Sean Murphy, he will discuss treatment options with you, and recommend a course of treatment. Though Dr Murphy will offer a recommendation, the choice to attempt to save your vision is up to you.