Age-Related Macular DegenerationAn Overview
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. While AMD does not mean you are going blind, it is a leading cause of vision loss in older Americans and requires proactive monitoring and care.
#1
Cause of Vision Loss in Adults 60+
~30%
Risk in Adults Over 75
Early Detection Saves Vision Modern OCT imaging detects microscopic changes before symptoms appear.
Two Forms
Wet AMD & Dry AMD
Advanced OCT Imaging
High-definition retinal scans
Modern Treatments
Anti-VEGF injections & more
25% Risk Reduction
AREDS vitamin formula
Retina Specialist
Fellowship-trained care
Concerned About Macular Degeneration?
Early detection is critical. Schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam to check for drusen and other early signs of AMD before vision loss occurs.
Schedule a Retina ExamDiagnostic & Treatment Technology
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
High-definition digital imaging that scans your macula over 100 times in seconds, detecting microscopic changes as an early warning system for AMD progression
Fluorescein Angiography
The gold standard for detecting wet AMD. A special dye is injected and photographs reveal leaking blood vessels beneath the retina with exceptional clarity
Anti-VEGF Injection Therapy
Lucentis, Eylea, and Avastin block abnormal blood vessel growth to stabilize and often improve vision in patients with wet AMD
Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam
Pupils are dilated to allow thorough examination of the retina and macula, enabling detection of drusen, pigment changes, and other early signs of AMD
Why Patients Choose Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates
Breakthrough Diagnostic Technology
OCT imaging scans your macula over 100 times in seconds at resolutions of 2 to 25 microns for early detection.
Fellowship-Trained Medical Retina Specialist
Dr. Tsong completed his fellowship at the renowned Doheny Eye Institute, specializing in retinal diseases including AMD.
Latest Treatment Options
Anti-VEGF injections (Lucentis, Eylea, Avastin), photodynamic therapy, and laser surgery to stabilize and improve vision.
Personalized Preventive Care
Customized monitoring plans with AREDS/AREDS2 vitamin guidance and periodic dilated exams every 4–6 months.
Your Vision Is in Expert Hands
Jerry W. Tsong, M.D. is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Medical Retina Specialist at Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates. After graduating in the top 5% of his class at MIT with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Dr. Tsong earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He completed his residency at George Washington University Medical Center—where he was selected as Chief Resident—and his fellowship at the world-renowned Doheny Eye Institute. Repeatedly named a "Top Doctor" by New York Magazine, he brings exceptional expertise and compassionate care to patients with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular diseases, and other complex retinal conditions.
MIT & Harvard Educated
Doheny Eye Institute Fellow
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
NY Magazine Top Doctor
Fellowship-Trained Medical Retina Specialist
AMD Types & Treatments
Learn about the different forms of macular degeneration and the treatment options available.
Dry AMD
Dry AMD occurs when light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision. It has three stages: early, intermediate, and advanced. The most common form of AMD, it is often detected by the presence of drusen—yellow deposits under the retina.
Learn MoreWet AMD
Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak blood and fluid, causing rapid damage. An early symptom is that straight lines appear wavy. Though less common than dry AMD, wet AMD accounts for about two-thirds of advanced AMD cases.
Learn MoreAnti-VEGF Injection Therapy
The most common treatment for wet AMD. Medications such as Lucentis, Eylea, and Avastin are injected into the eye to block the growth factor (VEGF) that causes abnormal blood vessel growth. This can slow vision loss and, in many cases, improve sight.
Learn MorePhotodynamic Therapy
A drug called verteporfin is injected into your arm, travels to the abnormal blood vessels in your eye, and is then activated by a light shined into the eye. The activated drug destroys the new blood vessels, leading to a slower rate of vision decline.
Learn MoreLaser Surgery for AMD
This procedure uses a laser to destroy fragile, leaky blood vessels that have formed beneath the retina. Only a small percentage of people with wet AMD can be treated this way, but it remains an important option when applicable.
Learn MoreAREDS & AREDS2 Vitamins
A specific combination of antioxidant vitamins has been shown to reduce the risk of vision loss from AMD by 25%. The AREDS2 formula includes lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids. These are available over-the-counter and are recommended for intermediate to advanced dry AMD.
Learn MoreAre You at Risk for Macular Degeneration?
The greatest risk factor for AMD is age. Studies show that people over age 60 are clearly at greater risk, with nearly 30% of those over 75 developing the condition. Other risk factors include smoking, obesity, family history, race, and gender.
Both dry and wet AMD cause no pain, which makes regular eye exams essential. For dry AMD, you may notice blurred vision, difficulty recognizing faces, or needing more light to read. For wet AMD, the classic early symptom is that straight lines appear wavy or crooked.
Your lifestyle can make a difference. Eat a healthy diet high in green leafy vegetables and fish, don't smoke, maintain normal blood pressure, and exercise regularly.
Risk Factors
Standard Amsler Grid — Focus on the center dot with one eye at a time.
Monitor Your Vision at Home
The Amsler grid is a simple screening tool recommended by ophthalmologists to help detect early changes in your central vision between appointments. If lines appear wavy, distorted, or missing, it could be a sign of macular degeneration changes that need urgent attention.
AMD & Retina Resources
In-depth guides, FAQs, and educational resources about age-related macular degeneration.
What our Patients say
4.8
Reviews
(3,408)We Value Our Patients Feedback
Reviews
Contact Us
Reviews
Tuesday: 8AM-6:45PM
Wednesday: 8AM-5PM
Thursday: 8AM-5PM
Friday: 8AM-5PM
Saturday: 10AM-2PM
Sunday: Closed
