Macular Degeneration Treatment at Washington Eye Institute
If you have noticed that straight lines appear wavy, that your central vision seems blurry, or that colors look duller than they used to, you may be experiencing signs of age-related macular degeneration. This condition affects the macula, the small central area of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision used for reading, driving, and recognizing faces. According to the NEI, age-related macular degeneration affects approximately 19.8 million people in the United States and is the leading cause of vision loss among people aged 50 and older.
19.8M+
Americans Affected
~95%
Maintain Vision with Treatment
Source: National Eye Institute (NEI); CATT/IVAN clinical trials (anti-VEGF for wet AMD).
Ready to Address Your Macular Degeneration Concerns?
Schedule a consultation with our retina care team to discuss your symptoms and explore your treatment options.
Book a ConsultationMacular Degeneration Care
Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration
If you have noticed that straight lines appear wavy, that your central vision seems blurry, or that colors look duller than they used to, you may be experiencing signs of age-related macular degeneration. This condition affects the macula, the small central area of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision used for reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Recent studies estimate that age-related macular degeneration affects approximately 19.8 million people in the United States, making it the leading cause of vision loss among people aged 50 and older.
Early Detection Focus
Routine retinal screenings and advanced imaging help catch macular degeneration before significant vision loss occurs.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every patient receives a customized approach based on the type and stage of their macular degeneration.
Comprehensive Macular Degeneration Care
Washington Eye Institute provides comprehensive care for patients with all stages of macular degeneration. Our retina care team uses advanced diagnostic techniques and stays current with the latest research to support each patient's treatment plan.
Dedicated Retina Care Team
Individualized Patient Care
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
Multiple Convenient Locations
Clinical Trial Participation
Patient-Centered Philosophy
Our Approach to Macular Degeneration
Our retina care team focuses on providing comprehensive care for patients living with age-related macular degeneration. From early screening and diagnosis through ongoing monitoring and advanced treatment, we are committed to helping preserve and protect your central vision through early detection and consistent treatment.
Specialized Retina Focus
Dedicated to diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of retinal conditions including macular degeneration
Patient-Centered Approach
Individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's condition
Advanced Diagnostics
State-of-the-art optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging & fluorescein angiography technology
Ongoing Research & Care
Our team stays at the forefront of retina care through clinical trial participation and advanced treatment approaches
Is Treatment Right for Your Macular Degeneration?
If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration or are experiencing symptoms like blurred central vision, wavy lines, or difficulty reading, an evaluation at Washington Eye Institute can determine the best course of action for your eyes.
Our retina care team uses advanced imaging to identify the type and stage of AMD you may have, then creates a treatment plan designed to slow progression and preserve as much vision as possible.
Early detection and consistent monitoring are the most effective strategies for managing macular degeneration and maintaining quality of life.
We Can Help With
Advanced AMD Treatments
Our retina care team offers advanced, evidence-based therapies to manage macular degeneration and help preserve your central vision.
Anti-VEGF Injection Therapy for Wet AMD
Anti-VEGF injections are the gold standard treatment for wet macular degeneration. These medications work by blocking the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina that leak fluid and cause rapid vision loss.
Administered directly into the eye in a quick, in-office procedure, anti-VEGF therapy can help stabilize vision and, in some cases, may improve it when delivered on a consistent treatment schedule.
How Anti-VEGF Treatment Works
Evaluation & Imaging
Your care team performs OCT imaging and a dilated exam to assess the type and severity of AMD.
Eye Preparation
The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops and cleaned with an antiseptic solution for comfort and safety.
Injection Delivery
The anti-VEGF medication is injected into the eye using a very fine needle in a quick, in-office procedure.
Follow-Up Monitoring
Regular OCT scans and vision checks track your response to determine the ideal retreatment schedule.
Macular Degeneration Warning Signs
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, schedule an evaluation with our retina care team as soon as possible.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
We use advanced imaging and testing equipment to detect, monitor, and manage macular degeneration with precision.
OCT Retinal Imaging
High-resolution cross-sectional scans of the retina to detect fluid, drusen, and structural changes
Fluorescein Angiography
Specialized dye-based imaging to reveal leaking or abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina
Amsler Grid Testing
A simple at-home and in-office screening tool to detect early changes in central vision
Fundus Autofluorescence
Advanced imaging that maps metabolic activity in the retina to track dry AMD progression over time
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of macular degeneration?
Early signs often include difficulty reading in low light, a gradual blurriness in your central vision, and subtle distortion where straight lines appear slightly wavy. Some patients also notice that colors seem less vivid than before. Because these changes can develop gradually, routine eye exams are important for detecting macular degeneration before noticeable symptoms appear.
Can macular degeneration be cured?
There is currently no cure for macular degeneration, but effective treatments exist to slow its progression and preserve vision. Anti-VEGF injections can help stabilize vision, and in many patients with wet macular degeneration, may help slow further vision loss, and AREDS 2 supplements may reduce the risk of progression in intermediate dry cases. Ongoing research continues to explore new therapies.
How often will I need anti-VEGF injections?
The injection schedule depends on how your eye responds to treatment. Many patients begin with monthly injections for several months, after which the interval may be extended based on imaging results and visual stability. Our team will adjust the frequency to balance effective treatment with the fewest visits necessary.
Does macular degeneration lead to complete blindness?
Macular degeneration primarily affects central vision, so most patients retain their peripheral and side vision even as the condition progresses. This means that total blindness from macular degeneration alone is uncommon. However, the loss of central vision can significantly affect reading, driving, and recognizing faces, which is why treatment and monitoring are important.
Should I take eye vitamins if I have macular degeneration?
The AREDS 2 vitamin formula has been shown to benefit patients with intermediate or advanced dry macular degeneration by reducing the risk of further progression. Not every patient with macular degeneration needs these supplements, and the decision depends on the stage and type of your condition. We recommend discussing supplementation with your eye doctor before starting any regimen.
How do I schedule an evaluation for macular degeneration?
You can call or text Washington Eye Institute at 301.800.7490 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Our team will coordinate your appointment to include the imaging and testing needed for an accurate diagnosis. If you are experiencing a sudden change in your central vision, let us know when you call so we can arrange a timely evaluation.
Schedule Your Macular Degeneration Evaluation Today
Our retina care team is ready to help you protect and preserve your central vision.