BOOK NOW | (203) 318-6522
BOOK NOW | (203) 318-6522

Looking for a macular degeneration doctor near you?

At Coastal Eye, experienced ophthalmologist Omar Shakir, MD, MBA, detects and treats dry and wet macular degeneration. Call the office or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shakir. If you are also looking for a cornea specialist, our team is happy to help you!

Media background

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a disease that progressively damages your macula and affects your central vision. Your macula, located in the center of your retina, allows you to see objects in sharp, precise detail. Macular degeneration usually gets worse over time, and it’s the leading cause of permanent vision loss in people aged 60 and older. Macular degeneration can eventually cause you to lose most or all of your central vision. You may have only your side (peripheral) vision. Without your central vision, reading, watching television, driving, and many other everyday activities are impossible. Be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shakir as soon as possible if you notice any troubling symptoms.

Symptoms of macular degeneration

Macular degeneration typically affects both eyes but might not progress at the same rate in each eye. Your healthier eye may compensate for the other eye, so you don’t notice any changes in your vision. However, some noticeable symptoms include:

  • Blind spots in your field of vision
  • Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted
  • Blurry or fuzzy vision
  • Difficulty seeing in low light
  • Printed words appear blurry
  • Less bright or vivid colors
  • Difficulty recognizing faces

The best way to treat macular degeneration is by detecting it early at a routine eye exam. Dr. Shakir has sophisticated retinal imaging technology that can uncover the early signs of macular degeneration before it causes noticeable symptoms.

Banner media

What are the types of macular degeneration?

Dry macular degeneration

Most people experiencing macular degeneration have the dry form. When you have dry macular degeneration, you experience drusen — yellow deposits that build up under your retina. The dry form causes blurry vision and difficulty reading or recognizing faces, but it’s far less likely to cause severe and permanent vision loss than the wet form.

Wet macular degeneration

Dry macular degeneration sometimes progresses to wet macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration is more serious and develops faster than the dry form. In the wet form of macular generation, abnormal blood vessels develop in your retina, which leaks blood and fluid. This can cause damage and scarring to your macula, leading to a loss of central vision.

Macular degeneration treatment

Macular degeneration treatment depends on the form of the disease you have. Dr. Shakir customizes the treatment to the needs of your eyes.

Dry macular degeneration 

Though there isn't any medication or surgery specifically for dry macular degeneration, Dr. Shakir can help you make lifestyle changes to slow the progression of the disease and adjust to vision changes. You can protect your vision with a high intake of antioxidants through your diet, high-dose supplements, or both. Dr. Shakir may also recommend vision aids like magnifiers, reading aids, and brighter lighting.

Wet macular degeneration 

Wet macular degeneration requires treatment as soon as possible to protect your vision. Injectable medications, including Avastin®, EYLEA®, and BEOVU®, can prevent new abnormal blood vessels from growing, and laser treatment can destroy abnormal leaking blood vessels. These treatments can preserve your vision and, in some cases, improve it, though they may not restore your normal vision.

Background media

Why choose Coastal Eye for macular degeneration treatment?

Led by Dr. Omar Shakir, a Yale-trained eye surgeon who has received the prestigious award as one of the "Best Cataract Surgeons in America," Coastal Eye provides quality, patient-centered care every step of the way. Dr. Shakir performs surgeries safely and conveniently in-office, making the process stress-free. Coastal Eye is your premier destination for exceptional eye care, with a modern, comfortable office equipped with advanced technologies to support your optimal eye health. To get treatment for macular degeneration, schedule your appointment online or over the phone. Our Greenwich and New Canaan offices serve the greater Connecticut and New York areas.

start your vision journeySchedule a Consultation

Start my vision journey
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (203) 318-6522.