Macular Degeneration

Ophthalmologist & Cataract & Glaucoma Surgeon located in Gainesville and Chiefland, FL
Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration services offered in Gainesville and Chiefland, FL


Macular degeneration is a leading cause of sight loss in older people. At his offices in Chiefland and Gainesville, Florida, experienced ophthalmologist Maher Fanous, MD, and his North Florida Eye Center team can detect macular degeneration early before it affects your vision too severely. Don’t wait until you have difficulties seeing clearly — call North Florida Eye Center to request an eye exam today or schedule a consultation online.

Macular Degeneration Q&A

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration affects part of your eye’s retina, called the macula. The macula can deteriorate over time, causing blurry or limited central vision. There are two types of macular degeneration:

Dry macular degeneration

Dry macular degeneration develops over the years as you age, so it often affects older people. It’s caused by thinning of the macula.

Wet macular degeneration

Wet macular degeneration develops in about 20% of people with dry macular degeneration. The leading cause is abnormal blood vessel growth from the choroid (a layer of blood vessels) between your retina and the eye’s firm outer coat (sclera). The abnormal vessels can leak fluid or blood, affecting retinal function.

Fluid buildup in the back of your eye can also cause wet macular degeneration. This fluid leaks from the choroid and collects between a thin layer of cells (retinal pigment epithelium) and your retina or within the retina’s layers. This can cause a bump in your macula, resulting in distorted or lost vision.

Routine eye exams help your North Florida Eye Center doctor detect macular degeneration early on and treat it before it worsens.

What symptoms does macular degeneration cause?

Early-stage macular degeneration might not cause any symptoms, but when they do develop, they might include:

  • Reduced central vision
  • Needing bright lights to read
  • Seeing straight lines bend
  • Poor night vision
  • Difficulty recognizing faces
  • Blurred vision
  • Color fading
  • Blurry or blind spots 
  • Sight loss

Macular degeneration can affect one or both of your eyes.

To assess you for macular degeneration, your North Florida Eye Center doctor checks your sight and carries out a thorough dilated eye exam. They may also use diagnostic imaging procedures to get a detailed view inside your eyes.

How is macular degeneration treated?

Macular degeneration is incurable, but expert treatment from the North Florida Eye Center team can slow the disease’s progression. Your eye doctor might recommend:

  • Healthy eating
  • Dietary supplements
  • Quitting smoking
  • Healthy weight management
  • Injections
  • Laser surgery
  • Low vision rehabilitation
  • Occupational therapy
  • Chronic disease management
  • Telescopic lens implant surgery

Your eye doctor personalizes macular degeneration treatment to give you the best outcome and preserve your vision.

To schedule an eye exam for macular degeneration and receive expert care that preserves your sight, call North Florida Eye Center or request an appointment online today.