Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an age-related disease which negatively impacts the retina. The macula, which is the center of vision in the retina, is the damaged as this disease takes course. Macular degeneration is categorized into "wet" and "dry" forms. The dry form of macular degeneration may involve calcifications forming in the retina, and the retinal cells may begin to decrease through a process call atrophy. The wet form of macular degeneration involves new blood vessels growing under the retina, causing scarring and swelling on the retinal tissues.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of poor vision in senior age patients. The condition involves the macula breaking down. It causes vision to become gray or hazy and in some areas vision is lost. The exact cause of the breakdown of the retina is unknown but studies have shown a relationship between smoking, high cholesterol, or genetics causing a person to develop macular degeneration.
Decreased function of the central retina is a direct result of macular degeneration. The retina is the most important part of the vision process. As the retina becomes worse, a patient notices objects not appearing as colorful as they once had. Progressively, the disease causes more damage to the retina and objects may appear to be missing pieces. Lines that were straight may suddenly be blurry or wavy.Currently there is no cure for macular degeneration but there are a number of treatments available that may slow the process or halt the disease. Studies are always underway to determine the exact cause and develop a cure. Most macular degeneration patients will only experience mild to moderate visual loss over time. If wet macular degeneration occurs, vision loss may occur much more rapidly and can be severe. Patients may gain a little vision with treatments but once vision is lost it is hard to restore.
Schedule Your Appoinment
Your Eye Appointment
What to bring with you!
Make the most of your appointment time. Your Doctor will want to review your medical history as well as address your eye care concerns. You will get more out of your appointment if you stop now and prepare.
1. Bring any eyeglasses or contact lenses you currently wear.
2. Bring a list of all current medications.
3. Bring a list of serious illnesses or surgeries in your past.
4. Bring a list of your current illnesses or report on your wellness program.
5. Bring your insurance card and referral from your primary Doctor if your insurance requires a referral. Or, if you are paying cash, bring your credit card or checkbook. Payment will be expected at the time of your appointment and on the day of surgery. You may wish to take advantage of CareCredit or ChaseHealthAdvance, and can apply on-line before your appointment.
See Better After a Cataract Surgery
Cataract patients now have an option to see at both near and far distances after cataract surgery! Individuals suffering from cataracts previously had only a mono-focal lens implant option after surgery. NEW multi-focal IOL technology can now decrease dependence on glasses after surgery. 
What Our Patient Says
“My experience at the Harman Eye Clinic resulted in excellent vision. I was not able to see the alarm clock at night and now after LASIK I can see everything. My vision is 2020 and my lifestyle has drastically improved. I have a much more active life and I never have to worry about taking my contacts in and out” 
Washington Eye Doctors | Second Opinions
If you would like to get a second opinion regarding your eye surgery options it is always better to know before surgery then to make a wrong decision. Because our practice is regarded as one of the regions TOP ophthalmology practices we take second opinions very seriously. 
