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Macular Degeneration in San Antonio, TX

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What Is Macular Degeneration?

A common eye condition that often comes with aging, macular degeneration is the deterioration of the center of the retina (called the macula), which is responsible for activities, such as reading, driving, and seeing fine details. Age-related macular degeneration generally affects individuals over the age of 50. There are two types of age-related macular degeneration: wet (rapid progression) and dry (slow progression). Without care, macular degeneration has the capability to cause vision impairment and even vision loss. There is no cure for either macular degeneration, but there are innovative and advanced treatments for wet macular degeneration that have the potential to delay or stop its progression. At Texas State Optical Bandera, our welcoming staff is highly trained in macular degeneration treatments to help you regain some of your lost vision or maintain your remaining functional vision. Schedule an exam with leading optometrist Dr. Victoria Perez at our San Antonio, TX practice to find out which treatment is best for your macular degeneration.

What Are Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

Symptoms of macular degeneration often include blurred or distorted vision, particularly in the central part of your vision. You may notice difficulty reading, recognizing faces, or seeing fine details. As the condition progresses, dark or empty spots may appear in your central vision, making everyday tasks like driving or reading increasingly difficult. If you experience any of these symptoms, promptly seeking medical evaluation at Text State Optical Bandera is important to prevent further vision loss.

How Is Macular Degeneration Treated?

Our expert team can evaluate your macular health during an eye exam. Our team uses a number of best-in-class tests to diagnose macular degeneration. Some of these tests include:

  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
  • Pupil dilation
  • Macular grid

After one or more of these exams, we will have a better understanding of your condition and can create a treatment plan. There is no cure for macular degeneration; however, there are treatments available to reduce some of the symptoms. For early-detected wet macular degeneration, specialized injections are the ideal treatment method to prevent or slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels. For later-stage wet macular degeneration, laser surgery may be an option. This procedure involves cauterizing the blood vessels to keep them from bleeding or leaking into the retina. Although there isn’t a treatment available for the dry condition of macular degeneration, our team at Texas State Optical Bandera can recommend different types of low vision aids and therapies to help you continue to live an independent, full life.

I have been seeing Dr. Perez the past 2 years and have always received the best care. The staff is always so nice and professional. Dr. Perez is very thorough at explaining your eye health to you. This is truly the best eye care I’ve ever received, and I’ve been wearing glasses for about 30 years now.

V.R. Google

I LOVE Dr Perez and all of her staff at the Texas State Optical at Bandera/1604!! They are AWESOME!! They all know me by name as I know them as well. They are SO friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, professional, and just WONDERFUL!! I cannot say enough good things about them!! I HIGHLY recommend them!!!!

J.G. Google

Great staff. Very helpful. Fabulous doctor!

K.G. Google

Very kind staff, goes out of their way to help customers. Great eyeglasses collection to choose from.

A.W. Google

My first eye exam in 20 years. It was the best experience I’ve ever had with eye exams. Because I’ve never worn glasses they made the decisions unbelievably easy. All of my needs and questions resolved in a very professional manner and yet it felt like we were just sitting down at the dinner table and talking.

K.N. Google

400

Total Reviews

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About Us

Prevent Ocular Health Issues

Identifying and treating macular degeneration as early as possible is vital in preserving your eyesight and ocular health in general. At Texas State Optical Bandera, we perform routine eye exams for all individuals and those who may be at an increased risk for developing macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration. We can diagnose, treat, and help you manage this condition in order to slow or prevent ocular health issues or vision loss. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact our San Antonio, TX practice today.

How does macular degeneration affect daily activities?

Macular degeneration primarily impacts central vision, making it challenging to perform tasks that require fine detail, such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces. As the disease progresses, these activities can become increasingly difficult, necessitating adjustments like using magnifying tools, brighter lighting, or adaptive technologies. However, peripheral vision is typically preserved, allowing individuals to navigate their environment.

Can macular degeneration be detected early?

Yes, early detection of macular degeneration is possible through regular eye exams, particularly using a dilated eye exam or optical coherence tomography (OCT). These tests allow eye care professionals to observe the retina and detect early signs of the disease before significant vision loss occurs. Early detection is crucial for managing the condition effectively and slowing its progression.

How does macular degeneration progress over time?

Macular degeneration typically progresses gradually, with symptoms often worsening over several years. In its early stages, individuals may not notice any significant vision changes. However, as the disease advances, central vision becomes increasingly impaired. The progression can vary from person to person, and while some may experience slow deterioration, others may see a more rapid decline.

*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.