Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet macular degeneration can cause clouded vision, bank areas in your eyesight, or straight lines becoming curved. These symptoms can be overwhelming and affect your day-to-day activities. Luckily, Sumit Bhatia, MD, at Signature Retina Consultants in Braidwood, Illinois, provides experienced and compassionate care to adults suffering from this eye condition. Reach out online or call the office today to discuss your treatment options. 

What is wet macular degeneration? 

Wet macular degeneration is a less common, later stage of macular degeneration. The condition occurs when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow under your retina. This causes the leakage of blood and fluids in your eye, causing scarring on the macula. 

The macula helps you see clearly, and therefore wet macular degeneration can cause rapid loss of central eyesight, blurriness, warped vision, and trouble with low lighting. 

What are my risk factors for wet macular degeneration? 

Many adults over 50 begin to experience either “dry” or “wet” macular degeneration. You are at greater risk of developing a more severe “wet” condition if you:

• Smoke cigarettes
• Are overweight 
• Have high cholesterol or heart disease
• Macular degeneration runs in your family 
• Have high blood pressure 

Annual eye exams with Dr. Bhatia can identify your risk factors early on and can prevent the condition from progressing. 

What are the symptoms of wet macular degeneration? 

You may first notice symptoms of wet macular degeneration when driving or doing daily activities in low light. Straight lines can begin to appear rippled or curved and central vision may become more blurry. You may see blank areas in your vision or dimmed colors. 

It’s important to reach out to Dr.Bhatia immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. 

What are my treatment options for wet macular degeneration? 

While there isn’t a cure for wet macular degeneration, Dr. Bhatia is an expert in treatment options tailored toward your needs. Dr. Bhatia may recommend vitamin and mineral supplements and a diet full of eye-rich foods to prevent the condition from worsening.

Other medical procedures that may help symptoms include: 

• Injections of Anti-VEGF drugs that reduce abnormal blood vessels in your retina
• Photodynamic therapy consisting of laser and injection treatments 
• Laser photocoagulation to seal or destroy blood vessels that are leaking 

Dr. Bhatia performs these procedures in the office and with quick recovery periods. Some injections need repeated use in order to see continued results, and Dr. Bhatia may recommend a combination of one or more of these treatments to improve your vision.

Reach out by phone or online to schedule an appointment with Signature Retina Consultants today.