Macular Degeneration

AMD stands for age-related macular degeneration and is responsible for causing loss of central vision. As the name states, it is a condition common in senior citizens and is a progressive disease in the part of the retina, called the macula. Although it could end up causing blindness, that is extremely rare and most people end up having a more mild form of this condition. If you notice any subtle changes in your central vision or if you know that you’re at risk for developing AMD then make sure to book an appointment to see your eye doctor. If you experience any sudden and severe changes to your central vision then the appointment should be booked immediately.

Although this condition is considered a leading cause of blindness, the majority of people who develop AMD do not become blind. Since it’s a degenerative disease, early detection prior to severe visual loss is crucial because precautions can be taken to prevent damage (Macular Degeneration Prevention). Macular degeneration starts out in a less severe form called dry AMD. In this type of early stage of the disease, the person might not notice any symptoms for the first while. However, there are certain signs of this condition which the eye doctor will see when the retina is checked. The most characteristic sign of this condition is called drusen which are yellow deposits under the retina.

Amplify Eyecare of Greater Long Beach

The first symptoms that a person may notice is that his or her glasses no longer provide the same clear vision as in the past. Alternatively, if you have AMD you might notice a decrease in quality of your central vision or that straight lines start looking more wavy. If you notice any of these changes in your vision, please book an appointment with your eye doctor.

The more unusual form of this disease is called wet AMD and it causes more significant damage to your vision. In wet macular degeneration, there are new unstable blood vessels that begin to form in your retina which decrease the quality of your central vision. People with wet AMD may experience sudden and severe changes in their central vision so if this is what you’re experiencing please see an eye doctor right away.

The good news is that if you have dry AMD then there are screenings that are readily available to check to make sure that your condition is not turning into the wet form. In addition, there are precautions such as stopping to smoke and taking a well researched supplement which can decrease your chances of progression of visual damage. If your vision has already been compromised by wet macular degeneration then there is effective treatment (AMD Treatment Options) used to block the source of the damage in your retina.

Common Questions

There are various causes that are attributed to this condition, including Age; people aged 60+, Family history, Smoking, Race, Other health conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease
The majority of people who develop AMD do not become blind, though this disease could cause blindness if not dealt with properly. Ninety percent of people with macular degeneration have the dry form which is less severe and does not cause substantial vision loss. It is the 10% who have wet AMD that experience a decrease in their central vision which could lead to legal blindness, however peripheral vision is spared in AMD. There are so many preventative measures available today to help slow down progress of vision loss. For those who have wet AMD there is effective treatment available that blocks the source of the damage. There is constantly research being done to improve treatment and to find a cure for AMD.
Children can be affected by it. Juvenile macular degeneration (JMD) is the term used to describe a group of inherited and rare diseases affecting children and young adults. Stargardt disease, best's disease, and juvenile retinoschisis are the most common types of juvenile macular degeneration. Juvenile macular degeneration generally begins in childhood or adolescence and declines gradually and sometimes suddenly until it reaches a level of 20/200 or 20/400.
Macular Degeneration
Dr. Ikeda cartoon

Summary

If you have any suspicion that you might have AMD, please schedule an appointment to meet with your eye doctor who can offer you guidance regarding the proper prevention, a comprehensive diagnosis and/or treatment when necessary. There are many wonderful resources available today to help decrease vision loss from this disease. You can schedule an eye exam with our eye doctor by calling (562) 925-6591. Patients searching for advanced treatment for AMD visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of medical eye care services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

Testimonials


I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered.  This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.


Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.


Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy.  She (Chris) is absolutely great.  I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision.  I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc).  Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her.  The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!


Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.


Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.


Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional.  Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage.  Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp.  I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all.  I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.


Daniel G.
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