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Q & A

Dr. Behler answers questions submitted by his patients and readers.

Q: I’ve just been told I have macular degeneration. Will I lose my vision? What should I do?

Dr. Behler answers: Macular degeneration doesn’t cause blindness, but it reduces your useful vision by causing a deterioration of the macula, the retinal tissue at the back of your eye that is responsible for your central vision and ability to discern fine detail.

Scott C. Behler, MD

Your best course of action is to work closely with your ophthalmologist to determine the best course of treatment and monitor the progression of the disease.

There are two types of macular degeneration.

Dry macular degeneration develops slowly, and there is currently no treatment to reverse its vision loss. High doses of vitamins A, C, and E, and the mineral zinc, have helped to slow its progression.

Wet macular degeneration damages the macula by allowing weak, abnormal blood vessels to grow behind the retinal tissue. These vessels leak and further disrupt the retina. Laser treatments and medications that prevent blood vessel formation can be used to treat wet macular degeneration and may offer some improvement in vision.

Research is continually underway to improve treatment options and outcomes, so you’ll want to keep in close contact with your ophthalmologist to take advantage of any advances that may benefit you.

To submit a question for Dr. Behler to answer in a future newsletter, please mail it to our office or drop it off at Behler Eye & Laser Center, 2346 Drew Street, Clearwater, FL 33765, or submit your question online by clicking here.