Macular Degeneration

A leading cause of vision loss affecting the central part of the retina

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What is Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a deterioration of the retina and choroid that leads to substantial loss in visual acuity. It affects the macula, the small central area of the retina responsible for detailed color vision. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50.

Types of Macular Degeneration

Dry AMD (85% of cases)

Characterized by drusen deposits and can progress to geographic atrophy. This is the more common, slower-progressing form of the disease.

New Treatments Available

Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) and Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) are now available for geographic atrophy

Wet AMD (15% of cases)

Features choroidal neovascularization where abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina. Less common but more serious form that can cause rapid vision loss.

Excellent Treatment Success

Anti-VEGF treatment has dramatically improved outcomes since 2005

Understanding the Disease

Risk Factors

  • • Age (primary risk factor - older patients have greater risk)
  • • Family history of AMD
  • • Female gender
  • • Caucasian or European descent
  • • Smoking history
  • • Cardiovascular disease

Symptoms by Stage

Early Stages

Often asymptomatic - regular eye exams are crucial for detection

Intermediate Dry AMD

Difficulty reading in dim light, decreased color intensity, early distortion

Advanced Dry AMD (Geographic Atrophy)

Marked distortion of straight lines, difficulty with night driving, gradual central vision loss, dark/blurry central areas

Wet AMD

Sudden/gradual visual acuity decrease, central blind spots, distortion of straight lines

Diagnostic Methods

Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam

Complete retinal evaluation

OCT Imaging

Detailed cross-sectional images

Fluorescein Angiography

For wet AMD evaluation

Amsler Grid Testing

Detects distortion and changes

Treatment Options

Wet AMD Treatment

Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections (primary treatment) with excellent outcomes since 2005

Treatment regimens include "treat and extend" or "pro re nata" protocols

Advanced Dry AMD

Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) and Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) for geographic atrophy

New FDA-approved treatments to slow progression

Intermediate Dry AMD

AREDS nutritional supplements

Specific vitamins and minerals to slow progression

Prevention & Management

  • • AREDS nutritional supplements for intermediate stages
  • • Regular eye examinations
  • • Amsler grid monitoring at home
  • • Lifestyle modifications (diet, smoking cessation)
  • • UV protection
  • • Control blood pressure and cholesterol

Home Monitoring Tool

Use the Amsler grid test at home to monitor your vision between appointments and catch changes early.

Access Amsler Grid Test

Excellent Prognosis with Modern Treatment

Wet AMD: Anti-VEGF treatment has dramatically improved outcomes since 2005, with patients maintaining central vision for reading, driving, and face recognition.

Dry AMD: Variable progression, with new treatments now available to slow geographic atrophy progression.

Schedule a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Who treats macular degeneration in South Bend and Mishawaka?

North Indiana Retina in Mishawaka, IN provides diagnosis and treatment of both dry and wet age-related macular degeneration for patients from South Bend, Elkhart, Granger and the rest of Michiana. Dr. Philip Kurochkin and Dr. Jason So are fellowship-trained retina specialists. Call 574-291-4000 to schedule.

What is the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration?

Dry AMD is the more common, slowly progressive form in which deposits called drusen and thinning of the retina reduce central vision. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood, causing faster vision loss. Wet AMD is treated with anti-VEGF injections; advanced dry AMD (geographic atrophy) can be treated with newer complement-inhibitor injections.

How often are injections needed for wet AMD?

Most patients begin with monthly injections. Once the retina is dry and stable, the interval is gradually extended, often to every 8 to 16 weeks, using a treat-and-extend approach guided by OCT imaging at each visit.

Can macular degeneration be cured?

There is no cure, but treatment can preserve vision and in many cases improve it. Early detection, regular OCT monitoring, AREDS2 vitamins for intermediate dry AMD, not smoking, and prompt treatment of wet AMD give the best long-term results.

What is an Amsler grid and should I use one?

An Amsler grid is a simple square grid used at home to check each eye for new distortion or missing areas, which can signal that dry AMD has converted to wet AMD. We recommend patients with AMD check the grid regularly and call us right away if lines look wavy, blurry or missing.