Schedule Your Retina Appointment Today: Why Early Detection Is Critical
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to put eye care on the back burner – that is, until we notice something wrong with our vision. Unfortunately, by that time, irreversible damage may have already occurred. The best way to protect and preserve our vision as we age is to keep up with regular retina appointments.
Retinal Conditions and Unnoticeable Symptoms
Many retinal conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are prevalent among older adults. In fact, AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss for individuals aged 50 and older. AMD impacts the macula, which is at the center of the retina and affects central vision and the ability to see fine details. In the early stages of the disease, many patients experience few to no symptoms, often not realizing they have the condition.
As AMD progresses, patients may experience visual distortions, reduced color perception, and dimming of central vision. At that point, the condition may have already progressed to a moderate or more severe stage, heightening the risk of permanent retinal damage and vision loss.
Diagnosing Retinal Conditions Early
Diagnostic tools used during a retina appointment can help detect conditions like AMD in their early stages, allowing for quicker intervention. A retina specialist may use optical coherence tomography (OCT), a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to capture high-resolution images of the retina. This enables them to diagnose and monitor retinal conditions by measuring the thickness of the retina and examining its layers.
Once AMD is diagnosed, the retina specialist can create a customized treatment plan to best address the condition. Research shows that early detection and treatment of AMD gives a better chance of vision improvement, preservation, and preventing or delaying total blindness. Therefore, it’s crucial to undergo a comprehensive eye exam with dilation every year.
Schedule an Appointment With a Retina Specialist Today
Protecting our vision as we age is extremely important. If your New Year’s resolution is to prioritize your health, scheduling a retina appointment is a fantastic start. At Palmetto Retina Center, our retina specialists can effectively diagnose and treat conditions like age-related macular degeneration in patients throughout South Carolina, including Columbia, Orangeburg, Sumter, Florence, and Aiken. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.