Commack: Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) affects 10 million Americans. It is the leading cause of vision loss for individuals greater than age 60. It affects the macula whites, a subdivision of the retina that provides our very best vision, including the ability to drive and read. The disease runs in families and is 70% genetic. Environmental factors play a role as well, such as smoking, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and sun exposure. The macula loses its ability to metabolize waste products and abnormal collections of material called duress build up in the subretinal space. The first phase of the disease is called dry. About 10% of people with dry progress to wet, which means abnormal blood vessels start to grow into the retina that oozes and cause a drop in vision. We have successful treatments, but early diagnosis is important. The first symptoms are often waviness in the vision.
OCT technology at Island Retina allows us to image thin slices of the retina. It is a noninvasive test and takes seconds. It allows Dr. Weber to diagnose and treat numerous retinal problems including macular degeneration.
Dr. Weber's lecture on Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Retinal Disease
Learn more about macular degeneration and gene therapy from Dr. Weber’s zoom presentation sponsored by Macular Degeneration Association. This May 12th, 2021, the webinar was seen by over 120 vision professionals from all over the world. To learn more about Macular Degeneration Association weekly webinars visit macularhope.org
