Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management
in Plymouth, WI

AMD Management

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can affect people differently, and you may not notice any changes in your vision early on, which can make AMD hard to spot without an eye exam. 

There are 2 types of AMD, wet and dry. Dry AMD is more common and tends to develop gradually. Wet AMD can develop suddenly and may require prompt treatment. 

As the condition progresses, the range of symptoms you might experience can include:

• Difficulty reading
• Distortion or bends in what should be straight lines (such as lampposts or door frames)
• Dark spots in your central vision
• Fading colors
• Poor night vision
• Blurred vision
• Objects appearing to change shape, size or color, or moving and disappearing
• Light sensitivity

AMD Prevention and Treatment

You can take steps to support your eye health and lower your risk of developing AMD:

• Quit smoking
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Moderate alcohol consumption
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get regular exercise

There is no cure for AMD, but treatments can help preserve vision and manage symptoms. For dry AMD, the focus is on supporting and maintaining your sight, which may include lifestyle adjustments or tools such as magnifying glasses for reading.

Wet AMD can be treated with medications that slow disease progression, and in some cases, laser therapy may be an option. Your eye doctor will help determine the best treatment approach based on your specific needs.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetes occurs when the body is no longer able to regulate its own blood sugar levels and requires intervention to keep them stable. Many people are surprised to learn that having diabetes can also affect their vision. 

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to conditions like diabetic retinopathy. Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss. Diabetes can also increase your risk of developing other eye conditions. For those reasons, people living with diabetes are strongly encouraged to get regular diabetic eye exams.

What to Expect from Diabetic Eye Exams

Diabetic eye exams are noninvasive. During the exam, you will be given eye drops, which will dilate your pupils and blur your vision. Once your pupils are wide enough, you will be asked to rest your head on a device and look into a camera that will take images of the back of your eyes. 

You will see a flash when each image is taken. Using those images, we can assess the structure of your eyes, including the retina, and look for any abnormalities. 

In addition to the images of the back of your eye being taken, you will also be given a visual acuity test to help us assess the clarity of your vision and monitor the effects that diabetes could be having on your sight.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. It is often associated with high eye pressure, but it can also occur at normal or low pressure. 

There are several types of glaucoma, including:

• Open-angle glaucoma
• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Normal-tension glaucoma

Risk factors include age, family history, high eye pressure, thin corneas, and certain medical conditions. Because glaucoma can develop subtly, regular eye exams are essential for early detection and prevention.