Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in people over the age of 65. The risk of getting age-related macular degeneration increases from 2% for those ages 50-59, to nearly 30% for those over the age of 75.

In the past your eye doctor could only visually access your macula, which is the central seeing portion of your retina, to determine if you had the beginnings of AMD. In a lot of cases, the first time the eye doctor would detect AMD, it was too late to obtain timely treatment, and the treatment, usually with a laser, would cause severe loss of vision.

Now, there is a new instrument, manufactured by Nortal Vision/MSS, called the Foresee PHP or the Preferential Hyperacuity Perimeter. This instrument can determine if there are any changes taking place beneath the retina and getting referrals to the Retinal Specialist for treatment before major damage is done. It’s an easy procedure, done in the office, taking 5 minutes per eye. Patients who are showing early signs of dry AMD or have a high risk for getting AMD (family history, etc) are excellent candidates to have the screenings. They are repeated every 3-12 months depending upon their risk factor.

In most cases, insurance companies will cover the entire cost of the screening. So, if you are concerned about macular degeneration, either by family history or if you eye doctor told you that you had the beginnings of AMD, call our Santa Cruz office to arrange a screening.

If you haven’t had a complete, dilated eye exam in the past year, it would be wise to schedule that first. Our doctors could tell you if you are a good candidate for the ForeSee PHP Macular Screening Exam.