Your Leading Ophthalmologist in Greater Tampa
Macular Degeneration
The macula is a small but important part of the retina used for our best reading, color, and central vision. Macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss over age 70. It is frequently unrecognized, untreated, or undertreated, and common misperception is that nothing can be done. That’s a bad recipe for vision loss. Eye exam findings can help identify those at-risk decades before they notice vision loss, and proven treatment to avoid vision loss has been around since 2001.
Macular degeneration is one of the most common conditions treated by Dr. Ahad Mahootchi at The Eye Clinic of Florida. All too often, a patient comes in dis-satisfied with their vision. Sometimes they are dissatisfied with their vision after cataract surgery done somewhere else. The prior surgeon or doctors may have failed to recognize or treat macular degeneration prior to the cataract surgery. The patient is unhappy. We feel that should never be missed.
With a commitment to only recommending necessary treatments, we are a one-stop shop for managing macular degeneration, ensuring a patient-first approach. Backed by outstanding feedback from patients, our team is dedicated to preserving your vision and enhancing your quality of life through compassionate, expert care you can trust.
Innovative, Specialized Eye Doctor in Zephyrhills, FL
Long-Term Macular Degeneration Treatment Options
Macular degeneration can vary in severity, but usually, only the central vision is affected. Genetics, a lifelong poor diet (lack of dark green, leafy vegetables: Lutein), and cigarette smoking all increase the risk of getting macular degeneration. Females are also more likely to develop macular degeneration compared to males.
In fact, smoking cigarettes increases the chances that a woman will develop macular degeneration by 600%! They’re also 600% more likely to get the more severe form of the disease.
There are two primary types of macular degeneration:
- Dry Macular Degeneration results from atrophy of the retinal pigment below the retina, which causes vision loss through loss of photoreceptors (rods and cones) in the central part of the eye. There is a common misconception that there is no treatment available for this condition. In fact, for patients with certain findings, an inexpensive but specific vitamin preparation with high doses of specific antioxidants was shown in a very large trial to reduce vision loss by 30%. In addition, high dose lutein and zeaxanthin have been suggested to slow the progression of dry macular degeneration and, in some patients, improve visual acuity.
- Perhaps 5% of those with dry macular degeneration will progress to severe vision loss to a condition called geographic atrophy. There have been over 30 trials for medications for geographic atrophy, but we are just now seeing some promising ones.Some of our treatment options include:
- Wet Macular Degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, leading to leakage of blood and fluid that causes rapid vision loss. This condition is more aggressive than the dry form but is treatable. A common misconception is that vision loss from wet macular degeneration is inevitable. However, treatments like Yellow Micropulse Laser and Anti-VEGF injections have been shown to significantly slow down the progression of the disease and, in some cases, even improve vision.
Some of our treatment options include:
Risk Reduction
Reducing the risk of developing macular degeneration or slowing its progression is a key focus in our care approach.
- We offer specific vitamin preparations, including AREDS-based formulas, shown to reduce vision loss by up to 30%.
- Dietary recommendations, including daily intake of lutein and zeaxanthin, help protect the macula.
- Early detection of drusen and personalized care plans significantly improve long-term outcomes.
Yellow Micropulse Laser
Our Yellow Micropulse Laser therapy is a groundbreaking option to reduce the need for frequent injections in certain macular degeneration cases.
- Proven to decrease the frequency of injections by over 50%.
- Best results occur when the laser is used within the first four months of diagnosis.
- Minimally invasive and highly effective, offering convenience and improved quality of life.
The findings seen on exams early in the disease can help predict who is at risk for vision loss and help us prevent vision loss later.
Early on, there are small white dots called drusen that can be seen in the macula. They can come and go but are known to mildly increase the chance of future vision loss. We know that patients with poor lutein intake are at increased risk and patients with Macular Degeneration have little lutein in their macula. Lutein is necessary for normal macular function.
For those patients: Dr. Mahootchi recommends 20 mg of Lutein each day by mouth. Lutein is cheap, as little as $22 for an 8-month supply. It’s the dose that is easily found in stores and online and is very cheap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common macular degeneration symptoms to be aware of?
Some common symptoms of macular degeneration include blurry or distorted vision, difficulty reading or seeing fine details, dark or empty spots in the center of your vision, and reduced ability to see in low light. In the early stages of the disease, the patient may not notice anything. Up to 90% of the patients will have only mild vision loss. The other 10% will ultimately get severe vision loss. Almost half of those will lose vision to a more aggressive form of the disease called wet macular degeneration. Early treatment is geared towards avoiding severe vision loss and progression to wet macular degeneration or to severe dry macular degeneration.
When is macular degeneration surgery typically necessary?
Macular degeneration surgery is typically necessary in advanced cases where vision loss significantly impacts daily life and other treatments, like medications or injections, are not effective. It is often considered for specific types, such as wet macular degeneration, to address complications like abnormal blood vessel growth or bleeding.
Do you prescribe macular degeneration medication?
Medication is not always an appropriate long-term solution for macular degeneration. There have been over 30 trials for medications for geographic atrophy, but we are just now seeing some promising ones. Dr. Mahootchi and his team are always at the forefront of the latest research and will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your specific case.
How can I get started with the top macular degeneration doctors near me?
It’s easy to get started with Dr. Mahootchi and the team at the Eye Clinic of Florida. Request your first appointment online or give our office a call at (813) 779-3338.