Macular Degeneration Treatment in Long Beach, CA
Up to 20 million Americans are living with some form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While there is currently no cure, early diagnosis and personalized treatment can significantly slow the progression of the disease and preserve your remaining vision. At Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA, experienced ophthalmologist Darren Knight, MD, and his team specialize in diagnosing and treating macular degeneration using the latest therapeutics and technology. Call (562) 534-1777 today or book your appointment online.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over the age of 50 in the United States. It is a progressive eye condition that affects the retina — the light-sensitive layer of nerve tissue lining the back of the eye — and specifically targets the macula, the small but critical central region of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. The macula allows us to see fine details clearly, recognize faces, read text, and perform everyday tasks that rely on focused straight-ahead vision.
When the macula is damaged by macular degeneration, the central field of vision becomes blurry, distorted, or develops dark or blank spots, while peripheral vision typically remains intact. Without intervention, the condition can progress to significant and permanent central vision loss. Fortunately, with the right care from a retina specialist like Dr. Knight at Apex Retina Institute, it is possible to slow the disease’s progression and protect your vision for longer.
What Are the Types of Macular Degeneration?
There are two primary forms of macular degeneration, and Dr. Knight at Apex Retina Institute has extensive experience diagnosing and managing both.
Dry Macular Degeneration — Dry AMD is by far the more common form, accounting for the majority of all macular degeneration cases. It develops gradually over months or years as tiny deposits of protein and lipid material, called drusen, accumulate beneath the macula. As drusen build up over time, the macula’s cells begin to thin and break down, leading to a slow but progressive deterioration of central vision. Patients with dry AMD may notice mild blurring, difficulty reading, or a need for increased lighting in the early stages. In advanced cases, dry AMD can progress to a stage called geographic atrophy, where large areas of retinal cells are lost. While there is no approved cure for dry AMD, certain nutritional supplements and lifestyle modifications have been shown to reduce the risk of progression in intermediate-stage disease.
Wet Macular Degeneration — Wet AMD, though less common, is responsible for the majority of severe central vision loss associated with macular degeneration. It occurs when abnormal new blood vessels — a process called choroidal neovascularization — grow beneath the retina and macula. These vessels are fragile and prone to leaking fluid and blood, which causes rapid and often dramatic damage to the macula and surrounding retinal tissue. Wet AMD can progress quickly, sometimes causing significant vision changes within days or weeks. Prompt treatment is essential. Anti-VEGF eye injections are the primary treatment for wet AMD and have transformed outcomes for patients with this condition.
How Is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?
At Apex Retina Institute, Dr. Knight conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation to accurately stage your macular degeneration and establish a baseline for monitoring disease progression over time. Your appointment will begin with a comprehensive review of your medical and ocular history, followed by a detailed discussion of any visual symptoms you have been experiencing. Dr. Knight will then perform a dilated eye examination and may use one or more of the following diagnostic tools:
Amsler Grid — This simple but effective test asks you to focus on a grid of straight lines. Distortions, wavy areas, or missing sections within the grid can indicate macular damage and help Dr. Knight assess the extent of central vision changes.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) — OCT uses light waves to generate high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina and macula. This non-invasive and painless imaging technology allows Dr. Knight to detect and measure drusen deposits, retinal thinning, fluid accumulation beneath or within the retina, and other subtle structural changes associated with both dry and wet AMD.
Fluorescein Angiography — If wet AMD is suspected, Dr. Knight may order fluorescein angiography. During this test, a medical dye is injected into a vein in your arm and a specialized camera captures images as the dye circulates through the blood vessels of the eye. This allows Dr. Knight to identify leaking or abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina that are characteristic of wet macular degeneration.
How Is Macular Degeneration Treated?
Treatment for macular degeneration is tailored to the type and stage of disease, as well as each patient’s individual health, vision goals, and lifestyle. Dr. Knight works closely with every patient at Apex Retina Institute to develop a personalized plan focused on slowing progression, relieving symptoms, and helping you maintain the best possible quality of vision.
Dry Macular Degeneration — For patients with intermediate or advanced dry AMD, high-dose nutritional supplements based on the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS2) formula have been shown to reduce the risk of progression to advanced stages of the disease. These supplements include vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper. Dr. Knight may also recommend dietary modifications — such as increasing consumption of leafy green vegetables and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids — along with sun protection and smoking cessation to further reduce risk. Regular monitoring appointments are essential to track any changes over time and catch any conversion to wet AMD early.
Wet Macular Degeneration — The cornerstone of wet AMD treatment is intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. These medications work by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor, the protein responsible for triggering the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina. When administered on a consistent schedule, anti-VEGF injections have been shown to stabilize vision and, in many patients, produce meaningful improvements in visual acuity. In some cases, retinal laser therapy may also be used to seal leaking blood vessels and prevent further retinal damage. Dr. Knight will determine the most appropriate treatment frequency and approach based on your retinal imaging and clinical response at each follow-up visit.
To learn more about your macular degeneration treatment options or to schedule a comprehensive retinal evaluation, contact Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA at (562) 534-1777 or request an appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Macular Degeneration
What are the early warning signs of macular degeneration?
In the early stages, macular degeneration may cause no noticeable symptoms at all, which is why routine eye exams are so important — especially for adults over 50. As the disease progresses, early warning signs can include mild blurring of central vision, difficulty reading small print, a need for brighter light when doing close-up tasks, and subtle distortion of straight lines. If you notice any of these changes, contact Apex Retina Institute at (562) 534-1777 to schedule a retinal evaluation as soon as possible. Early detection is the most important factor in slowing the progression of AMD.
Can macular degeneration be prevented?
While macular degeneration cannot always be prevented — particularly given the role of genetics and age — there are several well-established steps that can significantly reduce your risk or slow the progression of existing disease. These include not smoking, maintaining a healthy diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids, protecting your eyes from UV light, managing cardiovascular health, and taking AREDS2-formula supplements if recommended by Dr. Knight. Regular monitoring at Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA is also essential for catching any changes early.
What is the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration?
Dry macular degeneration is the more common and slower-progressing form, caused by the gradual accumulation of drusen deposits beneath the macula that lead to retinal cell deterioration over time. Wet macular degeneration is less common but more aggressive, occurring when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid and potentially severe central vision loss. Wet AMD requires prompt treatment with anti-VEGF eye injections, while dry AMD is managed through nutritional support, lifestyle changes, and close monitoring.
How often do I need eye injections for wet macular degeneration?
The frequency of anti-VEGF eye injections for wet AMD varies depending on the medication used and how your eye responds to treatment. Many patients begin with monthly injections and may transition to a less frequent schedule as their condition stabilizes. Dr. Knight monitors your retina closely at each visit using OCT imaging to assess your response and adjust your treatment interval accordingly. Consistent follow-up care is essential to maintaining the benefits of treatment over the long term.
Is macular degeneration the same as a retinal detachment?
No — macular degeneration and retinal detachment are distinct conditions, though both involve the retina. Macular degeneration is a degenerative disease affecting the central retina, while a retinal detachment occurs when the retina physically separates from the underlying tissue at the back of the eye. Both are serious conditions requiring specialist care. At Apex Retina Institute, Dr. Knight is experienced in diagnosing and treating a full spectrum of retinal diseases, including both macular degeneration and retinal detachments.
Does Apex Retina Institute accept insurance for macular degeneration treatment?
Apex Retina Institute accepts a wide range of insurance plans to help make specialized retina care as accessible as possible for patients throughout Long Beach, CA and the greater Los Angeles area. Anti-VEGF injections and other medical treatments for macular degeneration are typically covered by Medicare and many major insurance plans. Visit our insurances page for a current list of accepted plans, or call our office at (562) 534-1777 to verify your coverage before your appointment.
How do I schedule a macular degeneration evaluation at Apex Retina Institute?
Scheduling a macular degeneration consultation at Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA is simple. You can request an appointment online or call our office directly at (562) 534-1777. If you are a new patient, visit our new patients page to learn what to bring and what to expect at your first visit. Our team is here to guide you through every step of your care with compassion and expertise.