Eye Physicians & Surgeons
in New Bern, North Carolina

252.514.2155   New Bern Office

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

As our population ages, physicians see more and more deteriorating diseases. One of the most frustrating to eye care professionals is macular degeneration.

There are two kinds of macular degeneration:

Dry (nonexudate) macular degeneration

In this process, visual cells simply die off, leaving behind pigment deposits and areas of atrophy where there are no visual cells. There is no cure for dry ARMD. There is, however, statistical evidence that dietary supplementation with vitamins, antioxidants, luteins and xanthophylls can slow the deteriorative process.

At Davidson Eye Clinic, we offer OculaRx and MaculaRx by Science Based Health. There are other various over the counter preparations at most drugstores. We also recommend a healthy diet with fish, lean meats and leafy green vegetables. If you are interested in our Science Based Health products, email or call for more information.

Wet (exudative) macular degeneration

 In this process, there is a sudden diffusion or fluid and blood in the macular region coming from weak vessels beneath the macula. Until recently, the only treatment was localized laser photocoagulation, to seal the leaking vessels. This is effective, but the resultant scarring can cause visual loss, particularly if very close to the center.

The FDA has just recently approved PDT (Photo Dynamic Therapy), a new modality of treatment which can be as effective and with less scarring.

At Davidson Eye Clinic, we are pleased to have Jeffrey S. Taylor, MD, retinal specialist trained at Boston Retina Foundation, to consult and treat "wet" macular degeneration with either conventional laser or with PDT, whichever is indicated.

More about Macular Degeneration

252.514.2155  Email: macular@davidsoneyeclinic.com

Email is for information purposes only.
Call our office for appointments and eye care emergencies.