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At The Eye Center of North Florida, our team of experts specializes in providing comprehensive care for various retinal conditions. They diagnose and treat a wide range of retinal diseases and disorders to ensure the preservation of your vision.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), often known as macular degeneration, is a degenerative eye condition that causes damage to the macula, the area of the retina in the center of the eye that provides clear, central vision. With most cases affecting those over fifty, it is a significant cause of vision loss in older people.
There are two types of macular degeneration: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration, which is more prevalent, often advances slowly, resulting in a progressive loss of central vision over time.
The wet type, in comparison, is less common but more severe since it can result in a significant and rapid loss of vision. Although experts still don’t know the exact cause of macular degeneration, it is believed to sometimes result from hereditary and environmental factors.
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, a poor diet, and smoking are all possible risk factors for AMD development. Although macular degeneration cannot be cured, some therapies can help slow its development and protect vision. These therapies could include dietary supplements, lifestyle adjustments, and, in more advanced cases, injections or laser therapy.
For the best results, it is essential to have an early diagnosis and treatment. Our skilled team of retina specialists at The Eye Center of North Florida in Panama City, Florida, specializes in the identification and management of macular degeneration as well as other conditions affecting the retina.
What is Macula Risk PGx?
Macula Risk PGx is a combined prognostic and pharmacogenetic DNA test designed to determine someone’s risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration and aid in selecting appropriate eye vitamin formulas based on his or her genetic risk profile. Macula Risk PGx combines your current AMD status, genetic predisposition, and non-genetic risk factors to determine your two, five and ten-year risk of developing advanced AMD.
Macula Risk PGx is most appropriate for patients with signs of disease in at least one eye. It is only available through an eye care provider and uses a simple cheek swab to take a sample of a patient’s DNA.
What is Optomap Retinal Imaging?
Some of the first signs of health conditions, like stroke and diabetes, can be seen in your retina, often before you have other symptoms. A thorough retinal exam, including imaging from the advanced Optomap, can help your eye doctor detect signs of these conditions earlier and easier.
The Optomap ultra-widefield retinal image is a unique technology that captures more than eighty percent of your retina in one panoramic image, while traditional imaging methods typically only show fifteen percent of your retina at one time. The imaging process for the Optomap exam is fast, painless, and comfortable.
During Optomap retinal imaging, you will look at the device one eye at a time. Next, you will see a comfortable flash of light to let you know the image of your retina has been taken.
Under normal circumstances, dilation drops might not be necessary, but your eye care practitioner will decide if your pupils need to be dilated depending on your conditions. The capture takes less than a second.
How Will Optomap Benefit Me?
The Optomap’s wide view of the retina may help your eye doctor detect problems more quickly and easily. Unlike traditional eye exams, the Optomap image can also be saved for future comparisons. This technology can also provide early protection from vision impairment or blindness and life-threatening diseases like cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular conditions.
Are you experiencing vision changes or have a family history of a retinal condition? Schedule an appointment at The Eye Center of North Florida in Panama City, FL, today to ensure you are not a risk for vision loss!
