Advanced Care For Macular Degeneration in The DC Metro Area
At Dulles Eye Associates, we are committed to protecting your vision and ensuring you have the knowledge to make informed decisions about your eye health. One of the most common and serious conditions we manage is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50 in the United States.
AMD is a progressive disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It can make everyday tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces increasingly difficult. While AMD cannot be reversed, early detection and lifestyle changes can significantly slow its progression.
Meet Dr. Tony Kang: AMD Specialist at Dulles Eye Associates
At Dulles Eye Associates, we are proud to have Dr. Tony Kang, a highly experienced ophthalmologist and medical retina specialist, leading our AMD treatment efforts.
Dr. Kang specializes in diagnosing and managing retinal conditions, including AMD, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, and retinal tears. He has participated in multiple clinical trials and has authored peer-reviewed articles on retina-related diseases.
After earning his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, Dr. Kang obtained his medical degree at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute, where he served as Chief Resident, followed by a fellowship in Medical Retina at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute.
Fluent in English, Korean, and able to perform exams in Spanish, Dr. Kang is committed to providing compassionate, expert care to a diverse patient population. His approach to patient care emphasizes early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and the use of the latest medical advancements to achieve the best possible outcomes.
How AMD Affects Vision
In its early stages, AMD may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, some of the most common signs include:
- Straight lines appearing distorted or wavy
- Difficulty seeing at night, often one of the earliest symptoms
- Blurry or dark spots in the center of vision
- Colors appearing dull or washed out
Studies show that 78 percent of AMD patients experience irreversible vision loss by the time they seek treatment. This underscores the importance of regular eye exams, particularly for those over 40 or with a family history of AMD.
Key Risk Factors for AMD
AMD does not develop overnight, but several factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease:
- Age: The strongest risk factor, with most cases occurring in individuals over 50
- Smoking: Smokers are 2.5 to 4.8 times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers
- Genetics: A family history of AMD increases the risk significantly
- Lifestyle choices: Diets low in antioxidants and high in unhealthy fats, along with high cholesterol levels, are linked to AMD
Although some risk factors such as genetics and age are beyond our control, lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk or slow the progression of the disease.
Types of AMD
AMD occurs in two main forms:
- Dry AMD: The most common form, affecting nearly 85 to 90 percent of patients. It occurs when drusen—small yellow deposits—build up under the retina, causing gradual deterioration of central vision.
- Wet AMD: Less common but more aggressive, this occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leading to fluid leakage and bleeding. If untreated, wet AMD can cause rapid and severe vision loss.
Why Early Detection Matters
The best way to prevent severe vision loss from AMD is through regular eye exams. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends:
- A comprehensive eye exam at least once by age 40
- Eye exams every one to two years after age 65
At Dulles Eye Associates, we use advanced imaging technology such as spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography to detect AMD in its earliest stages.
Treatment Options for AMD
While there is no cure for AMD, several treatments can slow its progression and help preserve vision.
- For Dry AMD: A healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin may help slow progression. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS2) found that specific vitamin supplements, including vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin, can reduce the risk of severe vision loss.
- For Wet AMD: Anti-VEGF injections are the most effective treatment. These medications help block the growth of abnormal blood vessels, reducing fluid leakage and swelling in the retina. Many patients require ongoing injections to stabilize their vision.
- Laser therapy: In some cases, laser treatments can seal leaking blood vessels and prevent further damage to the macula.
Regular monitoring is essential for patients with AMD. At Dulles Eye Associates, we create customized treatment plans to ensure the best possible vision outcomes for our patients.
Maintaining Eye Health
Although AMD cannot be reversed, making smart lifestyle choices can help slow its progression:
- Eat a diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and antioxidant-rich foods
- Exercise regularly to maintain healthy blood flow to the retina
- Quit smoking, as it is one of the biggest preventable risk factors for AMD
- Protect your eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses outdoors
Studies suggest that regular physical activity can lower the risk of developing wet AMD. Maintaining a healthy weight and controlling conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol can also help protect eye health.
Take the Next Step in Protecting Your Vision
AMD affects millions of Americans, but vision loss is not inevitable. With regular eye exams and timely intervention, many people can maintain their sight and quality of life.
If you are over 50 or have a family history of AMD, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kang at Dulles Eye Associates today. We have 3 convenient locations in the DC Metro area, in Leesburg, Annandale, and Reston, Virginia, making it easy for patients across the region to receive expert retinal care.