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Home > Archives for Opthalmologists

FAQs about Eye Diseases: What is Macular Degeneration?

May 17, 2019 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

When it comes to eye diseases, most people are familiar with glaucoma and cataracts, but few know about Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

What is Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that directly affects the macula, the small area of the retina that is responsible for central vision. AMD occurs in two forms:

  • Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (common): Tiny yellow deposits, called drusen, develop beneath the macula, signaling degeneration and thinning of nerve tissue.
  • Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (less common): Abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula, leaking blood and fluid onto and underneath the retina. This kills retinal cells, causing blurring, distortion, and blank spots in your field of vision.

Interesting Macular Degenerations Facts & Statistics

  • More than 13 million Americans are affected by AMD.
  • Nearly 90% of all diagnosed AMD is the dry form.
  • About 10% of cases of dry macular degeneration develop into the wet, or neovascular, form of AMD.
  • Globally, AMD is the leading cause of vision loss and is responsible for some 50% of visual impairment.
  • AMD is uncommon in people younger than 55.
  • Women are slightly more likely than men to develop AMD.
  • Studies show that obesity, smoking, and exposure to UV rays may also be risk factors for developing AMD.

Signs and Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

In its early stages, AMD may not present any signs or symptoms. As the eye disease progresses, however, signs and symptoms become much more prevalent and include:

  • The distortion or blurring of central vision
  • Difficulty performing everyday tasks like driving or reading
  • Inability to see small details or fine print
  • Difficulty recognizing faces
  • Need for more light while reading or working
  • Dark or blurry areas in the center of vision (blind spots)
  • Changed color perception
  • Inability to focus properly on a single point within a grid

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, contact your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – at your earliest convenience. The early detection of macular degeneration is critical to the long-term treatment of the eye disease.

Recent innovations in AMD treatment can slow or even halt the progression of retinal changes.

“There are good modern treatments available for patients who lose vision due to AMD,” said board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Cuong Vu of Retina Associates. “[But] early detection and prevention are the keys to success.”

To learn more about Macular Degeneration, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010.

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. Vision problems may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

Sources:

Macular Degeneration Health Center

Filed Under: Macular Degeneration, Maryland Eye Care, Symptoms Tagged With: age-related macular degeneration, Anne Arundel Eye Center, distorted vision, Dr. Nathan T. Frank, drusen, eye care specialists maryland, macular degeneration, Opthalmologists, Vision Loss, visual impairment

Dr. Samuel Boles Honored by Chesapeake Family Reader

June 3, 2011 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

In the upcoming July issue of the Chesapeake Family Reader, Dr. Samuel Boles, of Anne Arundel Eye Center, will be honored on the Reader’s Maryland Family Favorite Docs List 2011.

The Chesapeake Family List of over 600 of Maryland’s Family Favorite Doctors and Health Care Providers was compiled as a result of readers’ recommendations. The list will be released to the public in July.

Only those Maryland doctors and practitioners who have earned the trust, admiration and professional respect of parents are included. Listings cannot be bought. Each of these practitioners have been nominated by local parents during the months of February through April 2011. Practices include Chiropractors, Dentists, Orthodontists, Pediatricians, OB/Gyns, Midwives, Birthing Centers, Hospitals, Family Practice Doctors, Therapists, Opthalmologists, Optometrists, Laser Surgery and more covering central Maryland including Anne Arundel, Calvert, Howard, Prince George’s counties and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Chesapeake Family’s list of Favorite Health Care Providers serves as a vital resource to thousands of Maryland families. This single source, which lists personal recommendations to pediatric and family professionals, will provide guidance to Maryland families who might not otherwise know where to turn for their family’s health concerns.

So we would like to take the time to congratulate Dr. Boles on being named one of Maryland’s Family Favorite Doctors and Health Care Providers.

If you have any questions, contact Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here today!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Anne Arundel Eye Center, Birthing Centers, Chesapeake, Chesapeake Family, Chesapeake Family Reader, Children, Chiropractors, Dentists, Doctors, Dr., Dr. Boles, Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Samuel Boles Honored by Chesapeake Family Reader, Eye Doctor, Ezine, Families, Family, Family Practice Doctors, Health, Health Care, Health Care Provider, Honor, Honored, Hospitals, Laser Surgery, Magazine, Maryland, Maryland Family Favorite Docs List 2011, Maryland's Family Favorite Doctors and Health Care Providers, Midwives, OB/Gyns, Online Magazine, Opthalmologists, Optometrist, Optometrists, Optometry, Orthodontists, Patients, Pediatricians, Readers, Therapists

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