MEDICAL EYE CARE
Care focused on central vision.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the part of the retina used for detailed tasks such as reading and recognizing faces. The type and stage guide the next step.
VISION AFFECTED
Central detail
KEY DISTINCTION
Dry versus wet AMD
CARE GOAL
Preserve useful vision and independence
On this page: Dry and wet AMD · How the macula is assessed · Treatment depends on the stage · What treatment can—and cannot—achieve
Dry and wet AMD
Dry AMD involves changes in macular tissue and may progress slowly. Geographic atrophy is an advanced form with loss of retinal cells. Wet AMD involves abnormal blood vessels that can leak and damage central vision more quickly.
New waviness in straight lines, a central blurry area, or a new dark spot deserves a prompt call. Do not wait for the next scheduled appointment if your usual vision changes.
How the macula is assessed
A dilated examination assesses the retina. OCT can provide cross-sectional images of the macula, helping the clinician look for fluid and structural change. Other imaging may be recommended to answer a specific question.
Ask your clinician to explain your AMD stage, whether fluid is present, and how to monitor for change between visits. Home checks support, but do not replace, examinations.
Treatment depends on the stage
We provide medical evaluation and follow-up in Torrington. When advanced procedural care is needed, we coordinate with our selected referral and co-management network. Treatment depends on your examination.
Monitoring & AREDS 2
AREDS 2 supplements may help selected people with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye. They are not a general eye-health vitamin and do not prevent early AMD from developing. Discuss the formula, other medications, and smoking history with your clinician before starting; older beta-carotene formulas pose particular risks for current or former smokers.
Wet AMD treatment
Anti-VEGF injections can reduce abnormal vessel activity and leakage. Repeated treatment and imaging are commonly needed. A specialist selects the medicine and schedule; some cases may involve other treatments, including photodynamic therapy.
Geographic atrophy
For selected patients, a retina specialist may discuss complement-inhibitor injections to slow the enlargement of atrophy. These do not replace lost retinal cells or promise better sight. The decision balances potential benefit against repeated visits and risks such as infection, inflammation, or development of wet AMD.
What treatment can—and cannot—achieve
Wet AMD treatment can help stabilize vision and may improve it, but results depend on the extent of damage and response. Neither supplements nor injections guarantee that vision loss will stop.
If reading or daily tasks remain difficult, ask about low-vision support, lighting, magnification, and practical adaptations. The goal includes helping you use your remaining vision well.
Questions patients ask
Should everyone take AREDS 2?
No. Its benefit depends on AMD stage, and supplements can interact with other medicines. Ask whether it is appropriate for your eyes.
Can I wait if straight lines suddenly look wavy?
Contact an eye clinician promptly for guidance and evaluation. New distortion can signal a change that needs treatment.
PATIENT EDUCATION SOURCES
NEI: Macular degeneration ↗ · NEI: AREDS 2 supplements ↗ · NEI: Treatments for wet AMD ↗ · DailyMed: Geographic atrophy drug labeling ↗ · AAO EyeWiki: Optical coherence tomography ↗
Educational content updated September 2026. Your diagnosis and care plan require an individual examination.
Connected specialist care
For patients who need advanced retinal care, including treatment for wet AMD, we work closely with retinal specialists and help coordinate evaluation, share findings, and plan ongoing care.