Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative condition of the macula, which is the portion of the retina responsible for central vision. It is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss in the United States in those 60 or older, and its prevalence increases with age. The exact cause of macular degeneration is still being studied, however several risk factors have been identified including age, family history, smoking, female sex, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, light skin and light-colored eyes.
No one knows the cause of AMD. Causes are likely to be genetically inherited, but environmental factors may also contribute. Macular degeneration often runs in families. Women have a higher risk of developing AMD than men. There may be a wide variety of different genes and proteins associated with dry and wet macular degeneration.
Many risk factors have been found to be associated with AMD. These include age, family history, light-skin, light-colored iris, poor nutrition, obesity, smoking, and exposure to sunlight.
AMD is classified as either wet (neovascular) or dry (non-neovascular). About 10-20% of patients who suffer from macular degeneration have wet AMD. This type occurs when new, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina. However, the new vessels are very delicate and break easily, causing bleeding and damage to surrounding tissue. The resulting vision loss can be abrupt and rapid.
The dry type is much more common and is characterized by drusen and pigment changes in the retina. This causes a gradual loss of central vision.
Other causes include:
Diagnosis of AMD involves a dilated eye exam by an eye doctor who can look at the retina with special lenses. Your doctor may also recommend ocular coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography (FA) to help make this diagnosis.
If you think you have macular degeneration, please contact us. Our doctors have the necessary experience, expertise, and equipment to diagnose and treat macular degeneration.
Dry AMD
Unfortunately, there is no cure for dry AMD. Lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the disease. These include the use of UV protective sunglasses when outside, a good diet including the use of green leafy vegetables and avoiding smoking. Your doctor may recommend you start taking vitamins meeting the requirements of the AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study). These measures help slow down the progression of the disease.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD is almost always treated with injections of medication into the eye. Rarely, a retinal laser surgery may be recommended. The sooner treatment is initiated, the better chance there is of retaining good vision. These injections help get rid of the abnormal blood vessels that are leaking into the retina but generally repeated long-term treatment is needed. The main goal of the injections is to stabilize the vision, though sometimes vision can be improved after treatment begins.
Dr. Purser was extremely knowledgeable about patient needs. She was also willing to go above and beyond what I’ve seen most doctors do by helping find a way to reduce drug cost.
Dr Tetrault and his techs were very thorough and although I didn’t get the best news that I was hoping for, my eyes didn’t get any worse. Also, Penny in the optical department was very helpful in getting my glasses!
Kassidy was very thorough, knowledgeable and patient. Certainly an asset to this organization
Always a great experience. We have been clients of DES since we moved to Denver in 1993. Everyone from reception to checkout is 1st rate.
Dr Crosby did a good job in explaining to me how to treat my dry eye condition. The Dr also suggested I see a cataract specialist to have my right eye corrected.
I hit 2 as far as satisfaction when I meant to type 1- sorry- service was wonderful, the doctor & staff were winderful. Professional & efficient. No complaints at all!
Dr Tetrault has managed my glaucoma for many years and he and the staff there have provided excellent care at every appointment. I feel confident I am receiving the best care possible and highly recommended him and Denver Eye Surgeons. We have my step daughter going there now to deal with macular degeneration.
The female surgeon I saw was very professional and gave me information about my eye that should have been given at my last visit about a spot on back of my eye. She was informative and thorough.
The staff and the doctor I saw for my upcoming cataract surgery was fantastic they were polite courteous and answered every question that I had I'm getting my first cataract surgery done next month
I recently saw Claire Purser, OD and Kassidy Campton, contac lens technician at Denver Eye Surgeons. They were both professional, knowledgeable and personable. Took time to answer all questions. The entire staff at the office deserve 5 star ratings.
I want to commend Kayla M. for her care and understanding with patients during check in. She is always cheerful and calm, never rushing anyone. A true professional!
They have taken excellent care of our eyes for years! I am confident they know what they are doing. The appointments are easy to schedule and there are plenty of comfortable chairs to wait for your appointment. The waiting time is brief. We are always satisfied!
Incredible customer service!!! Everyone was engaging, kind, supportive and professional ~all the way from the front desk, visit, exit. Dr Noguchi was excellent- bedside manner, medical intervention, demeanor. He is a world class physician and a classy gentleman. Thank you all for treating me like family
Tania was very nice and personable. She answered all my questions. Very very friendly! Dr. Costin was also very personable and good.
Tania came in to the exam room to perform the pre appointment examination before meeting with Dr. Purser. Tania was very thorough, professional and personable. A very good experience.
I was so impressed by your staff. One person really went out of her way, Tonia. Very helpful and kind. She has great patient care ethics. Great job team.
Everyone was wonderful and explained everything very thoroughly, including billing. Both office staff and doctors were great! I had a past retinal detachment and they treated it very seriously.
Kassidy did a fantastic job fitting me for my contacts. She was very patient and friendly and I am seeing great in my new monovision set up. Thanks Kassidy!
Great experience with Kassidy after cataract surgery for contact lens fitting. She explains everything in layman’s terms that make it easy to understand what I am experiencing very easy to understand. Thank you Kassidy.
Dr Costin was amazing. She is highly professional, very honest, and would recommend her to anyone. In fact, the entire staff was amazing.
Dr Crosby, her Tech and her assistant... First Dr Crosby's tech. I was so pleased with her. She did the exam and front end of my appointment. She was very detailed and thorough, as well as kind. The best I have had in many years of exams. Dr Crosby was new for me after my prior Dr left. Much better manner then the prior Dr. She answered all my questions and was very thorough and kind as well. Her assistant was very helpful, and I suspect the employee who helped me with a lost prescription. To conclude, a happy experience!
To learn more about the retina, the diagnosis of diseases, medical treatments, and surgical treatments for retinal diseases, please request an appointment or contact us for your exam at 303-279-6600.
