Macular Degeneration Evaluation in Anchorage

Watching Over Your Central Vision

Macular degeneration affects the part of the eye you use to read, drive, and recognize faces. It often starts without symptoms, so regular exams with retinal imaging matter, especially after 50. Dr. Jacquelyn Lamigo and Dr. Christie Stemmle screen for macular degeneration, keep a close eye on it over time, and refer you to a retina specialist when treatment is needed.

Request Appointment

Call 907-561-1167

What is macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition in which the macula, the center of the retina, breaks down over time. It blurs sharp central vision, while side vision usually stays intact. At Southside Eyecare & Optical in Anchorage, our doctors screen for AMD with Optos retinal imaging and OCT and monitor patients who have been diagnosed.

Detailed Imaging of Your Retina

Optos retinal imaging gives our doctors a wide view of the retina, and OCT shows the layers of the macula in fine detail. Comparing these images from one visit to the next helps us spot changes early, often before you notice them.

Dry and Wet Macular Degeneration

Dry AMD is the most common form. Small yellow deposits called drusen build up under the retina, and the macula slowly thins. Vision changes tend to happen gradually.

Wet AMD is less common but more serious. Abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, which can cause fast vision loss. Wet AMD needs prompt treatment, so call us right away if your central vision changes suddenly.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Early AMD often has no symptoms. As it progresses, you may notice:

- Blurry or fuzzy central vision

- Straight lines that look wavy or bent

- Trouble recognizing faces

- Needing more light to read

- A dark or empty spot in the center of your vision

The biggest risk factor is age, especially after 50. Family history, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol also raise your risk, and AMD is more common in white people and in women.

Treatment and Monitoring

There is no cure for AMD, but there are ways to slow it. For dry AMD, that usually means regular monitoring, not smoking, eating plenty of leafy greens, and for some patients, AREDS2 eye vitamins, which have been shown to slow progression in intermediate and advanced cases.

Wet AMD is treated with injections given by a retina specialist. If we find signs of wet AMD, we refer you quickly, and you can keep coming to us for your routine eye care.

Can macular degeneration be prevented?

You can't change your age or genetics, but you can lower your risk. Don't smoke, keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check, eat leafy greens and fish, wear sunglasses outdoors, and keep up with regular eye exams.

How often should I be checked for AMD?

A yearly exam with retinal imaging is a good idea after 50, or sooner if AMD runs in your family. If you have been diagnosed, your doctor will set a schedule based on your results.

Does insurance cover AMD screening?

AMD evaluation and monitoring are medical care, so they are usually billed to your medical insurance, such as Medicare or Medicaid. Our front desk can check your coverage before your visit.

Schedule a Macular Degeneration Screening

Call 907-561-1167 or request an appointment online. If your central vision changes suddenly, call us right away.