Macular Degeneration Management in Chicago, IL
Treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Big City Optical diagnoses and monitors age-related macular degeneration (AMD), helps manage appropriate stages of dry AMD, and coordinates referral and co-management when patients require a retina specialist. Our Chicago optometrists examine the macula, track retinal changes over time, and use retinal imaging to help determine when closer monitoring or specialist treatment is needed.
What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision.
AMD can make activities such as reading, driving, recognizing faces, and seeing fine detail more difficult. It primarily affects central vision rather than side vision.
AMD has two main forms: dry AMD and wet AMD. Knowing which type is present helps determine how closely the condition should be monitored and whether specialist treatment is needed.
Dry AMD
Dry AMD is more common. It develops as the macula changes over time, including the buildup of deposits called drusen and changes in retinal tissue.
Early or intermediate dry AMD may not cause noticeable symptoms. Some patients can be monitored by their optometrist, depending on the disease stage and individual findings.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD, also called neovascular AMD, occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood or fluid.
Wet AMD can cause faster changes in central vision and usually requires treatment from an ophthalmologist or retina specialist.
If testing suggests wet AMD, Big City Optical can arrange a referral to an appropriate specialist.
What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
AMD can develop without obvious symptoms, especially in its earlier stages. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
- Blurry or distorted central vision
- Straight lines appearing wavy
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- A dark or empty area in the center of vision
- Reduced contrast or difficulty seeing fine detail
- Needing brighter light for reading
- Difficulty adjusting to low-light conditions
- Changes in color perception
A sudden new distortion, dark area, or noticeable change in central vision should be evaluated promptly.
Diagnosing AMD at Big City Optical
Big City Optical evaluates the macula as part of a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor looks for structural changes in the retina and may compare current findings with previous imaging to identify changes over time.
OCT creates detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and can help us evaluate changes in the macula, including retinal thinning, deposits, swelling, or fluid.
When Does Big City Optical Refer to a Retina Specialist?
Big City Optical may refer a patient to a retina specialist when AMD has progressed beyond routine optometric monitoring or when findings suggest treatment may be required.
Referral may be appropriate when:
- OCT or retinal examination shows fluid in or under the retina
- New abnormal blood vessels are suspected
- Wet AMD is suspected or diagnosed
- Central vision declines unexpectedly
- New distortion or a central blind spot develops
- Retinal bleeding is present
- Dry AMD progresses to a more advanced stage
When you need specialist treatment, Big City Optical can coordinate referrals and co-manage your care alongside your retina specialist.
How Is Wet AMD Treated?
Wet AMD generally requires treatment by an ophthalmologist, usually a retina specialist. The most common treatment is an anti-VEGF medication injected into the eye. These medications reduce the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF, which contributes to the growth and leakage of abnormal blood vessels.
How Does Big City Optical Manage Dry AMD?
Management depends on the stage of AMD and your examination and retinal imaging findings.
For patients with early or stable dry AMD, care may focus on monitoring retinal changes and identifying progression as early as possible.
Potential management options include:
- OCT monitoring
- Retinal photography
- Monitoring drusen and macular changes
- Lifestyle counseling
- AREDS2 supplement recommendations for appropriate patients
- Low-vision recommendations or referrals
- Coordination with a primary care physician when relevant
- Referral to a retina specialist when findings progress
What are AREDS2 Supplements for AMD?
AREDS2 supplements can help some people with intermediate or advanced AMD reduce the risk of further progression, but they are not appropriate for everyone.
The National Eye Institute reports that AREDS2 supplements can benefit people with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes and some people with late AMD in one eye. They have not been shown to prevent AMD or provide the same benefit to people with early AMD.
Your eye doctor should determine whether an AREDS2 supplement is appropriate based on your examination findings, health history, and other medications or supplements you take.
Macular Degeneration Care Across Chicago, IL
Big City Optical provides AMD evaluation, retinal monitoring, and ongoing eye care throughout the Chicago area. When findings require treatment beyond optometric management, our doctors can coordinate referral to a retina specialist and continue supporting your eye health as part of the care team.
If you have been diagnosed with AMD, have a family history of macular degeneration, or have noticed new distortion or changes in your central vision, schedule an eye examination.