Every eye care question, answered.

Cataract surgery is recommended when cloudy vision begins interfering with your daily activities. Common symptoms include difficulty driving at night, glare from headlights, blurry vision, faded colors, frequent changes in glasses prescriptions, and trouble reading or watching television. The decision is based on your visual needs and quality of life rather than the appearance of the cataract alone.

A cataract occurs when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts commonly develop with age and can cause blurred vision, glare, halos around lights, poor night vision, and difficulty seeing fine details. Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss and are highly treatable with modern cataract surgery.

Most cataracts develop naturally as part of the aging process. Other risk factors include diabetes, smoking, prolonged UV exposure, steroid use, eye injuries, previous eye surgery, and family history of cataracts.

Yes. Medicare and most insurance plans typically cover cataract surgery when the cataract significantly affects vision and daily activities. Premium lens implants and advanced technology options that reduce dependence on glasses may involve additional out-of-pocket costs.

Modern cataract surgery is generally painless. Numbing eye drops are used, and many patients receive mild relaxation medication. Most patients report feeling pressure but little or no discomfort during the procedure.

The procedure itself usually takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Most patients spend less than two hours total at the surgery center and return home the same day.

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful surgical procedures performed today. Millions of cataract surgeries are performed annually, and most patients experience significant improvements in vision.

During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed through a tiny incision and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The new lens remains in the eye permanently and cannot be felt or seen.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery uses advanced femtosecond laser technology to perform certain steps of the procedure with exceptional precision. The laser can create incisions, soften the cataract, and help correct astigmatism in selected patients.

Both procedures remove the cataract and replace it with a lens implant. Laser-assisted cataract surgery uses computer-guided laser technology for portions of the procedure and may provide additional precision and customization for certain patients.

That depends largely on the lens implant chosen. Some patients still require glasses for reading or distance, while others significantly reduce their dependence on glasses through advanced lens technologies.

There is no single "best" lens for everyone. The ideal lens depends on your lifestyle, hobbies, occupation, visual goals, and eye health. Options include monofocal, toric, EDOF, and multifocal lens implants.

An Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lens provides excellent distance vision while extending vision into the intermediate range used for computers, dashboards, shopping, cooking, dining, and many everyday activities. Most patients still require reading glasses for small print.

Multifocal lenses are designed to provide distance, intermediate, and near vision. Many patients achieve substantial freedom from glasses, although some may notice halos or glare around lights, particularly at night.

A toric lens implant corrects astigmatism during cataract surgery. Reducing astigmatism often improves vision quality and decreases dependence on glasses after surgery.

Many patients find premium lens implants worthwhile because they reduce dependence on glasses and improve lifestyle convenience. The value depends on your visual goals and willingness to wear glasses after surgery.

Yes. Astigmatism can often be corrected using toric lens implants, limbal relaxing incisions, or laser-assisted technology during cataract surgery.

No. Once a cataract is removed, it cannot grow back. However, some patients develop clouding of the capsule behind the lens implant, known as posterior capsule opacification, which is easily treated with a quick YAG laser procedure.

A YAG laser capsulotomy is a painless office procedure used to remove cloudiness that occasionally develops behind a lens implant after cataract surgery. Vision often improves rapidly following treatment.

Many patients notice improved vision within 24 to 48 hours. Vision continues to stabilize over several weeks as healing progresses.

Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days. Full healing typically occurs over several weeks, although vision often improves much sooner.

Most patients can resume driving once vision meets legal driving requirements and their ophthalmologist approves. This often occurs within a few days after surgery.

Most surgeons perform cataract surgery one eye at a time to maximize safety and ensure optimal outcomes. The second eye is typically treated days to weeks later.

Patients are generally advised to avoid heavy lifting, swimming, hot tubs, and rubbing the eye during the early healing period. Most normal activities can be resumed quickly.

Yes. Modern lens implants allow many patients to reduce or eliminate nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism while removing the cataract.

There is no upper age limit for cataract surgery. Overall health and expected visual benefit are more important than age alone.

Yes. Cataract surgery is commonly performed in diabetic patients. Careful evaluation of retinal health helps optimize outcomes.

Many patients experience significant improvement in night vision, glare, halos, and headlight sensitivity after cataract surgery.

Yes. Cataracts often make colors appear dull, yellow, or faded. Many patients are surprised by how bright and vivid colors appear after surgery.

At May Eye Care Center, patients receive comprehensive cataract evaluations, advanced diagnostic testing, laser cataract surgery options, premium lens technologies, and personalized recommendations designed around their lifestyle and visual goals. We proudly serve patients throughout Hanover, York, Gettysburg, Adams County, Carroll County, and surrounding communities.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a laser vision correction procedure designed to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses. LASIK reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina, resulting in clearer vision.

LASIK can correct:

• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Astigmatism

Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after LASIK, although individual results vary.

Ideal LASIK candidates generally:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Have stable vision
• Have healthy corneas
• Are free from significant eye disease
• Have realistic expectations

A comprehensive LASIK evaluation is required to determine candidacy.

Many patients undergo LASIK in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. However, age alone does not determine eligibility. Healthy eyes and a stable prescription are more important than age.

Not necessarily. Some patients in their 50s and even 60s may qualify. However, patients over 50 often have better long-term visual outcomes with Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) rather than LASIK.

The corneal reshaping performed during LASIK is permanent. However, natural aging changes such as presbyopia and cataracts can still affect vision later in life.

For most patients, LASIK results remain stable for decades. Future changes in vision are usually related to aging rather than failure of the LASIK procedure.

LASIK is generally not painful. Numbing eye drops are used before the procedure. Some patients experience mild irritation, tearing, or scratchiness during the first few hours after surgery.

The laser treatment itself usually takes less than one minute per eye. Most LASIK procedures are completed within 15 minutes.

Many patients notice improved vision within hours. Vision often continues improving over the first few days and weeks after surgery.

Most patients return to work and normal activities within one to two days. Vision usually stabilizes over several weeks.

LASIK significantly reduces dependence on glasses for most patients. However, some patients may still require glasses for specific activities or later in life as natural aging occurs.

Patients eventually develop presbyopia, the normal age-related loss of near focusing ability. Most individuals over age 40 will require reading glasses at some point regardless of LASIK.

Yes. LASIK is highly effective at treating many forms of astigmatism and can often reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses.

Potential risks include:

• Dry eyes
• Glare
• Halos
• Night vision disturbances
• Undercorrection
• Overcorrection

Serious complications are uncommon when patients are properly screened.

Permanent severe vision loss from LASIK is extremely rare. LASIK has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective medical procedure.

Common reasons include:

• Thin corneas
• Severe dry eye disease
• Unstable prescriptions
• Keratoconus
• Certain autoimmune diseases
• Extremely high prescriptions

Alternative procedures may still be available.

Many patients may qualify for:

• PRK
• EVO ICL
• Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
• Advanced Cataract Surgery

Your ophthalmologist can recommend the best option based on your eye health and visual goals.

LASIK eliminates many of the inconveniences associated with contact lenses, including daily maintenance, dry eyes from lens wear, and ongoing replacement costs.

LASIK pricing varies based on technology, surgeon experience, and individual visual needs. During your consultation, a customized treatment plan and pricing options will be reviewed.

LASIK is generally considered an elective procedure and is not covered by most medical insurance plans. Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA) may often be used.

Many patients experience improved night vision compared to their vision before surgery. However, some individuals may temporarily notice glare or halos during healing.

Yes. LASIK is routinely performed on both eyes during the same visit.

Modern wavefront-guided LASIK technology allows highly precise treatment and excellent visual outcomes for appropriately selected patients.

Wavefront technology creates a detailed map of your eye's optical system. This customized approach can improve visual quality and reduce higher-order aberrations.

Traditional LASIK primarily treats distance vision. Patients over age 40 who want both distance and near vision may be candidates for monovision LASIK or Refractive Lens Exchange.

Generally:

• Younger patients with healthy lenses often benefit from LASIK.
• Patients over 50 frequently achieve better long-term outcomes with Refractive Lens Exchange because it also prevents future cataracts.

A detailed examination is necessary to determine which option is best.

Your LASIK evaluation includes:

• Corneal mapping
• Refraction testing
• Tear film analysis
• Pupil measurements
• Corneal thickness measurements
• Comprehensive eye examination

These tests help determine the safest and most effective vision correction option.

At May Eye Care Center, every patient receives a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether LASIK, PRK, Refractive Lens Exchange, or another vision correction procedure is the best choice. Our goal is to provide personalized recommendations based on your eyes, lifestyle, and long-term visual goals.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), also known as Clear Lens Exchange (CLE), is a procedure that replaces the eye's natural lens with an advanced artificial lens implant to reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses. The procedure is nearly identical to modern cataract surgery, except the natural lens is removed before a significant cataract develops.

Clear Lens Exchange is another name for Refractive Lens Exchange. During the procedure, the eye's natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL) designed to improve vision at distance, intermediate, and sometimes near ranges.

The procedure itself is essentially the same. The primary difference is that RLE is performed before a cataract significantly affects vision, while cataract surgery is performed after a cataract develops.

LASIK reshapes the cornea. RLE replaces the eye's natural lens.

LASIK is often an excellent choice for younger patients. RLE is frequently a better long-term solution for patients over age 50 because it can correct vision while eliminating the future need for cataract surgery.

Many patients over age 50 discover they are better candidates for Refractive Lens Exchange than LASIK. RLE can correct distance vision while addressing age-related loss of reading vision and preventing future cataracts.

Ideal candidates often:

• Are over age 45
• Need reading glasses or bifocals
• Have high prescriptions
• Are not ideal LASIK candidates
• Want greater freedom from glasses
• Have early cataract changes

A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine candidacy.

Many patients choose RLE because it:

• Corrects distance vision
• Improves intermediate vision
• May improve near vision
• Eliminates future cataracts
• Can treat higher prescriptions
• Provides a permanent lens solution

Many patients significantly reduce their dependence on reading glasses with advanced lens implants. Results depend on the lens selected and individual eye characteristics.

Several lens options are available, including:

• Monofocal lenses
• Toric lenses for astigmatism
• Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lenses
• Multifocal lenses

The best lens depends on your lifestyle and visual goals.

An Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lens extends clear vision from distance into the intermediate range used for:

• Computer work
• Dashboard viewing
• Shopping
• Cooking
• Dining
• Looking in mirrors
• Playing cards
• Social activities

Many patients still require reading glasses for very small print.

Multifocal lenses are designed to provide vision at multiple distances and may significantly reduce dependence on glasses for distance, intermediate, and near tasks.

Neither lens is universally better.

EDOF lenses often provide excellent distance and intermediate vision with fewer nighttime visual symptoms.

Multifocal lenses may provide greater near vision but may increase halos and glare in some patients.

The ideal lens depends on your lifestyle and visual priorities.

Yes. Astigmatism can often be corrected during RLE using toric lens implants and advanced surgical planning.

Yes. Once the natural lens is removed, it cannot grow back. The artificial lens implant remains in place permanently.

No. Because the natural lens is removed during RLE, cataracts cannot develop later in life. This is one of the major advantages of the procedure.

Most patients experience little or no discomfort. Numbing eye drops and relaxation medication are commonly used during the procedure.

The procedure typically takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes per eye.

Modern lens replacement surgery is one of the most commonly performed and successful procedures in ophthalmology. Millions of lens procedures are performed worldwide each year.

Many patients notice visual improvement within days. Most normal activities can be resumed quickly, although complete healing continues for several weeks.

Many patients return to driving within a few days once vision reaches legal driving standards and their surgeon approves.

Most surgeons perform one eye at a time for maximum safety and visual accuracy. The second eye is usually treated days or weeks later.

RLE and cataract surgery are essentially the same procedure. The difference is timing. RLE allows patients to enjoy the benefits of advanced lens technology before a cataract significantly affects vision.

Yes. RLE is often an excellent option for patients with high levels of nearsightedness who may not qualify for LASIK.

Yes. Many highly farsighted patients achieve excellent outcomes with lens replacement surgery.

Patients with early cataracts are often excellent candidates for RLE because the procedure simultaneously improves vision and prevents future cataract progression.

During surgery:

• A tiny incision is made.
• The natural lens is removed.
• A customized lens implant is inserted.
• The lens unfolds into position.
• Most incisions self-seal without stitches.

Patients increasingly choose RLE because it offers:

• Permanent vision correction
• Reduced dependence on glasses
• Cataract prevention
• Advanced lens technology
• Excellent long-term visual outcomes

The cost varies depending on the lens technology selected and individual visual goals. A personalized consultation is necessary to determine the best treatment plan and associated costs.

When performed primarily for refractive purposes, RLE is generally not covered by insurance. Once cataracts become visually significant, insurance and Medicare may cover standard cataract surgery benefits.

For many patients over age 50, Refractive Lens Exchange provides advantages that LASIK cannot, including correction of presbyopia, reduction of dependence on reading glasses, and elimination of future cataracts.

At May Eye Care Center, we perform comprehensive evaluations to determine whether LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL, cataract surgery, or Refractive Lens Exchange is the best solution for your vision. We offer advanced lens technologies including EDOF, toric, and multifocal lens implants to help patients achieve their visual goals while reducing dependence on glasses.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the structure that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss and blindness.

Most forms of glaucoma cause no pain, redness, or early warning signs. Vision loss typically begins in the peripheral (side) vision and may go unnoticed until significant and irreversible damage has already occurred.

Glaucoma is usually associated with increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). However, glaucoma can occur even when eye pressure is within the normal range. Genetics, age, race, and certain medical conditions also increase risk.

Normal eye pressure generally ranges from approximately 10 to 21 mmHg. However, glaucoma can occur at any pressure level. Some patients develop optic nerve damage at normal pressures, while others tolerate higher pressures without damage.

The health of the optic nerve is more important than the pressure number alone.

Yes. This condition is called Normal-Tension Glaucoma. Even though eye pressure falls within the normal range, damage to the optic nerve still occurs.

Most patients experience no symptoms during the early stages of glaucoma. This is why regular comprehensive eye examinations are essential.

As glaucoma progresses, patients may experience:

• Loss of side vision
• Difficulty seeing in dim lighting
• Trouble navigating stairs
• Tunnel vision
• Difficulty driving

Vision lost from glaucoma cannot be restored.

Yes. Untreated glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment dramatically reduce the risk of severe vision loss.

No. Damage to the optic nerve caused by glaucoma is permanent. Treatment is designed to preserve the vision you still have and prevent further damage.

Risk factors include:

• Age over 60
• Family history of glaucoma
• African American heritage
• Hispanic heritage
• Elevated eye pressure
• Diabetes
• Thin corneas
• Severe nearsightedness
• Previous eye injury
• Long-term steroid use

Yes. A family history of glaucoma significantly increases your risk. Individuals with parents, siblings, or children diagnosed with glaucoma should receive regular eye examinations.

Diagnosis may include:

• Eye pressure measurement
• Optic nerve examination
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
• Visual field testing
• Corneal thickness measurements
• Gonioscopy

These tests help identify glaucoma before noticeable vision loss occurs.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an advanced imaging technology that measures the thickness of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer. OCT often detects glaucoma damage before visual field loss develops.

A visual field test measures side vision and helps identify areas of vision loss caused by glaucoma. It is one of the most important tests for monitoring disease progression.

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. The eye's drainage system remains open but becomes less efficient over time, causing pressure-related optic nerve damage.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle inside the eye becomes blocked. This can cause a sudden rise in eye pressure and may require emergency treatment.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Halos around lights

This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

Treatment may include:

• Prescription eye drops
• Laser procedures
• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
• Traditional glaucoma surgery

The goal is to lower eye pressure and prevent additional optic nerve damage.

No. Eye drops help control eye pressure and slow progression but do not cure glaucoma.

Many patients require long-term treatment. However, some patients may reduce or eliminate medications following successful laser treatment or glaucoma surgery.

Stopping glaucoma medications can allow eye pressure to rise, increasing the risk of permanent optic nerve damage and vision loss.

Patients should never discontinue treatment without consulting their ophthalmologist.

SLT is a laser treatment that improves drainage of fluid from the eye and lowers eye pressure. It is often used as an alternative or supplement to glaucoma medications.

For many patients, SLT can effectively reduce eye pressure while decreasing reliance on daily medications. The best option depends on the individual patient.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) refers to advanced procedures that lower eye pressure using microscopic implants or drainage techniques with faster recovery and fewer risks than traditional glaucoma surgery.

The iStent is one of the smallest medical implants used in the human body. It is commonly placed during cataract surgery to improve fluid drainage and lower eye pressure in glaucoma patients.

Yes. Many glaucoma patients experience lower eye pressure following cataract surgery. In selected patients, cataract surgery may be combined with MIGS procedures for additional pressure reduction.

The Xen Gel Stent is a minimally invasive implant used to create a new drainage pathway for fluid, helping lower eye pressure in patients with moderate to advanced glaucoma.

Surgery may be recommended when:

• Medications fail to control pressure
• Laser treatment is insufficient
• Glaucoma continues to worsen
• Medication side effects become problematic

Follow-up intervals vary depending on disease severity and stability. Some patients are monitored every few months, while others may be seen less frequently.

No. While healthy lifestyle habits support overall eye health, they cannot replace medical treatment for glaucoma.

Regular aerobic exercise may provide modest reductions in eye pressure and offers numerous health benefits. Patients should discuss exercise recommendations with their physician.

Yes. Patients with diabetes may have a higher risk of developing glaucoma and should receive regular comprehensive eye examinations.

Because glaucoma damage is permanent, identifying the disease before symptoms develop is the best way to preserve vision and prevent blindness.

At May Eye Care Center, we offer comprehensive glaucoma diagnosis, OCT imaging, visual field testing, laser glaucoma treatments, SLT laser procedures, MIGS surgery, iStent implantation, Xen Gel Stent surgery, and advanced medical management. We provide individualized treatment plans designed to preserve vision and maintain quality of life for patients throughout Hanover, York, Gettysburg, Adams County, Carroll County, and surrounding communities.

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye conditions caused by diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. These conditions can damage vision and may lead to blindness if left untreated.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. It is one of the most common causes of vision loss among adults with diabetes.

Diabetic macular edema occurs when damaged blood vessels leak fluid into the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. DME can cause blurry vision, difficulty reading, and permanent vision loss if untreated.

Yes. Diabetes is a leading cause of preventable blindness. However, early detection and treatment can dramatically reduce the risk of severe vision loss.

Yes. Many patients have diabetic retinopathy for years without noticing any changes in vision. Significant damage can occur before symptoms develop.

This is why annual diabetic eye examinations are essential.

Symptoms may include:

• Blurry vision
• Fluctuating vision
• Floaters
• Dark spots
• Distorted vision
• Difficulty reading
• Poor night vision
• Vision loss

Many patients have no symptoms during the early stages.

Most patients with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once every year.

Some patients with diabetic retinopathy may require more frequent examinations.

Dilation allows your ophthalmologist to examine the retina and identify early diabetic damage that may not be visible without dilating the pupils.

Yes. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.

Prediabetes generally causes less retinal damage than diabetes, but elevated blood sugar levels can still affect vision and increase long-term risk.

There is no single blood sugar level that causes diabetic eye disease. However, consistently elevated blood glucose levels increase the risk of retinal damage over time.

Good diabetic control is one of the best ways to protect vision.

Yes. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and slow progression of existing disease.

Patients should work with their primary care physician or endocrinologist to establish individualized A1C goals. In general, better long-term glucose control is associated with a lower risk of diabetic eye complications.

Yes. High blood pressure can worsen diabetic retinopathy and increase the risk of vision-threatening complications.

Yes. Elevated cholesterol levels may contribute to retinal damage and increase the risk of diabetic macular edema.

In some cases, early diabetic retinal changes may improve with excellent blood sugar control. However, advanced retinal damage is often permanent, making early detection critically important.

Treatment options may include:

• Observation
• Blood sugar control
• Anti-VEGF injections
• Retinal laser treatment
• Vitrectomy surgery

The best treatment depends on the severity of disease.

Anti-VEGF medications help reduce retinal swelling and abnormal blood vessel growth. These injections are commonly used to treat diabetic macular edema and advanced diabetic retinopathy.

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable retinal injections are. The eye is thoroughly numbed before treatment, and the procedure usually takes only a few minutes.

PRP laser treatment is used to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth in advanced diabetic retinopathy and lower the risk of severe vision loss.

A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove blood, scar tissue, or other abnormalities from inside the eye when diabetic retinopathy becomes advanced.

Yes. Even after successful treatment, diabetic retinopathy can recur. Ongoing monitoring is essential.

Yes. Patients with diabetes often develop cataracts at an earlier age and may experience faster cataract progression.

Yes. Patients with diabetes have a higher risk of glaucoma compared to the general population.

Changes in blood sugar levels can temporarily alter the shape and focusing ability of the eye's natural lens, causing fluctuations in vision.

Blood sugar fluctuations, diabetic macular edema, dry eye disease, and other diabetes-related eye conditions can contribute to blurry morning vision.

Weight loss, improved nutrition, exercise, and better blood sugar control may help reduce the risk of diabetic eye complications and improve overall health.

Rapid improvements in blood sugar can occasionally cause temporary changes in diabetic retinopathy. Patients starting these medications should continue regular eye examinations and discuss any vision changes with their ophthalmologist.

The best protection includes:

• Annual dilated eye exams
• Good blood sugar control
• Blood pressure control
• Cholesterol management
• Regular medical care
• Early treatment when needed

Contact your ophthalmologist immediately if you experience:

• Sudden vision loss
• New floaters
• Flashes of light
• Dark spots
• Distorted vision
• A curtain or shadow in your vision

These symptoms may indicate a serious retinal problem requiring urgent treatment.

At May Eye Care Center, we provide comprehensive diabetic eye examinations, advanced retinal imaging, diabetic retinopathy screening, diabetic macular edema evaluation, and coordinated care with primary care physicians and endocrinologists. Our goal is early detection, timely treatment, and preservation of vision for patients throughout Hanover, York, Gettysburg, Adams County, Carroll County, and surrounding communities.

Macular degeneration is an age-related disease that damages the macula, the central part of the retina. AMD affects central vision while typically preserving peripheral (side) vision.

There is no difference. AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) and ARMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) are two commonly used abbreviations for the same condition.

The exact cause is not fully understood, but risk factors include:

• Aging
• Family history
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Obesity
• Poor diet
• Excessive ultraviolet light exposure

Risk increases with:

• Age over 50
• Family history of AMD
• Smoking
• Caucasian race
• High blood pressure
• Elevated cholesterol
• Obesity

AMD rarely causes complete blindness because peripheral vision is usually preserved. However, it can cause severe loss of central vision, making reading, driving, and facial recognition difficult.

Symptoms may include:

• Blurry central vision
• Distorted vision
• Wavy lines
• Difficulty reading
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• Dark spots in central vision
• Needing brighter light to read

Wavy or distorted vision is often a sign of macular disease and may indicate wet macular degeneration. Patients experiencing new distortion should seek prompt evaluation.

An Amsler Grid is a simple monitoring tool used to detect changes in central vision. Missing areas, distortion, or wavy lines may indicate progression of macular degeneration.

Dry AMD is the most common form of macular degeneration. It develops gradually over time as retinal cells become damaged and drusen deposits accumulate beneath the retina.

Drusen are yellow deposits that form beneath the retina. Small drusen may be part of normal aging, while larger drusen are often associated with macular degeneration.

Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood. Wet AMD can cause rapid vision loss and often requires prompt treatment.

Yes. Wet AMD can cause sudden and severe central vision loss if not treated promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.

Yes. Some patients with dry AMD eventually develop wet AMD. Regular eye examinations help detect these changes early.

Currently, there is no cure for AMD. However, treatments can slow progression and preserve vision in many patients.

No. Vision loss caused by AMD is generally permanent. The goal of treatment is to preserve remaining vision and slow further progression.

Diagnosis may include:

• Dilated retinal examination
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
• Retinal photography
• Fluorescein angiography
• Amsler Grid testing

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an advanced retinal scan that creates detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and macula. OCT is one of the most important tools for diagnosing and monitoring AMD.

Patients with intermediate or advanced dry AMD may benefit from AREDS2 vitamin supplements.

The AREDS2 formula contains:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Copper
• Lutein
• Zeaxanthin

Patients should consult their ophthalmologist before starting supplements.

AREDS2 vitamins are scientifically studied nutritional supplements shown to reduce the risk of progression from intermediate AMD to advanced AMD in appropriate patients.

Yes. A healthy diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fish, fruits, and antioxidants may support retinal health and reduce progression risk.

Absolutely. Smoking is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for AMD and significantly increases the likelihood of vision loss.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps patients can take to protect their vision.

Regular exercise supports cardiovascular health and may help reduce progression risk through improved blood flow and overall health.

Treatment often includes anti-VEGF injections that reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and retinal swelling.

Anti-VEGF medications help control abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage beneath the retina.

Common medications include:

• Eylea
• Vabysmo
• Lucentis
• Avastin

These treatments have dramatically improved outcomes for patients with wet AMD.

Most patients tolerate retinal injections very well. The eye is thoroughly numbed before treatment, and the procedure typically takes only a few minutes.

Treatment frequency varies depending on the medication used and the severity of disease. Some patients require monthly treatment initially, while others may be treated less frequently over time.

Many patients continue driving safely during early stages of AMD. Driving ability depends on visual acuity, visual function, and state licensing requirements.

Yes. AMD commonly affects both eyes, although one eye may be affected earlier or more severely.

Yes. A family history of AMD increases your risk. Patients with affected parents or siblings should receive regular retinal examinations.

Contact your ophthalmologist immediately if you experience:

• New distortion
• Wavy lines
• Dark spots
• Sudden vision loss
• Blurred central vision

Prompt evaluation is critical because wet AMD can progress rapidly.

Geographic Atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry AMD in which retinal cells progressively die, creating areas of permanent vision loss.

Yes. New FDA-approved treatments are available that may help slow the progression of Geographic Atrophy in selected patients.

Current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that normal exposure to blue light from screens causes AMD. However, protecting eyes from excessive ultraviolet light remains important.

While AMD cannot always be prevented, risk may be reduced through:

• Not smoking
• Healthy diet
• Blood pressure control
• Cholesterol management
• Regular exercise
• UV protection
• Regular eye examinations

At May Eye Care Center, we provide comprehensive retinal evaluations, advanced OCT imaging, macular degeneration monitoring, AREDS2 counseling, early detection of wet AMD, and coordination of care for patients requiring retinal treatment. Our goal is to preserve vision and maintain quality of life for patients throughout Hanover, York, Gettysburg, Adams County, Carroll County, and surrounding communities.