DRY MACULAR DEGENERATION
There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Approximately 85% of macular degeneration cases are the dry type. Patients with the dry form may have good central vision (20/40 or better) but limitations can still occur.
In the dry type of macular degeneration, the deterioration of the retina is due in part to the formation of small yellow deposits, called drusen, under the macula. This leads to thinning and drying out of the macula, which causes it to lose its function. The amount of central vision loss is directly related to the location and amount of retinal thinning caused by the drusen.
This form of macular degeneration is much more common and tends to progress slower than the wet type. However, a certain percentage of the dry type of macular degeneration turns to wet with the passage of time. There is no known cure for the dry type of macular degeneration.
Patient may see: Center vision may appear blurry because parts of the macula have begun to die, leaving blank spots in vision. Straight lines may look wavy. Side or "peripheral" vision is rarely affected.
WET MACULAR DEGENERATION
Approximately 15% of macular degeneration cases are the wet type.
In the wet type of macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and macula. These new blood vessels can bleed and leak fluid, which will cause the macula to bulge or lift up, distorting the central vision. Under circumstances like these, vision loss can be rapid and severe.
With the wet type, the patient may see a dark spot in the center of their vision because of blood or fluid under the macula. Straight lines may look wavy because the macula is no longer smooth. Side vision is rarely affected. Yearly eye examinations are very important for patients at high risk.
AREDS Nutritional Formula for Macular Degeneration
Research suggests that antioxidant vitamins, A, C and E, may protect the macula from damage. AREDS study results (National Eye Institute) released in 2001, involving more than 3,600 people, found that supplementation with vitamins C and E, A and zinc reduced certain patients' chance of progressing to advanced Macular Degeneration by about 28 percent.Treatment
Dry AMD treatment includes preventative measures such as AREDS vitamins, fish oil supplementation, and the avoidance of smoking.
Wet AMD is treated with intraocular injections such as AVASTIN or sometimes Photodynamic laser treament (PDT)
EARLY DETECTION and treatment is the key for successful treatment. The GEC employs the use of Spectral Domain OCT and Fluoresceine Angiography to help pin down the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Welcome to Garrett Eye Center
John Michael Garrett M.D. graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1973. After completing a 2-year Internship and Internal Medicine Residency at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Dr. Garrett completed a 3 year residency in Ophthalmology at the Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta. He followed this with a fellowship in microsurgery, including Phaco-emulsification cataract removal and corneal transplant techniques under Richard Schulze M.D., in Savannah, Georgia. Upon completion, he began an Ophthalmology practice here in Iron Mountain, opening in January 1979.
Welcome to Garrett Eye CenterCenter of Excellence For Crystalens
The Crystalens® advantage unlike standard cataract replacement lenses, Crystalens® lenses correct your cataracts and give you back your full range of vision. Crystalens® is the first and only FDA-approved accommodating intraocular lens that uses the natural focusing ability of the eye. The lens flexes like your eye's natural lens, allowing you to see better at all distances.
Crystalens3D-Eye Online
If you are interested in learning more about the procedures offered by Dr. Garrett and the staff at Garrett Eye Center, please visit our 3D-EYE ONLINE Video library. You will be able to watch animations of the procedures offered in our Iron Mountain, MI office and Ambulatory Surgical Center.
Click the link below to view our videos.
3D-Eye OnlineAmbulatory Surgical Center
Garrett Eye Center’s Ambulatory Surgical Center opened in 1987, and is the first and only ambulatory surgical center in the area. Over 1,000 surgeries are performed per year in the surgical center. We have a certified anesthesiologist on site. The surgical center offers convenient, cost effective treatment with a well-trained staff, specializing in ophthalmology.
Click the link below to learn more about our Ambulatory Surgical Center
Ambulatory Surgical CenterGlaucoma Treatments (SLT)
It is estimated that almost three million Americans have glaucoma. Half of these people are not aware that they have the disease. It is important to make an appointment with Dr. Garrett for a comprehensive eye examination to determine if you could be at risk for Glaucoma. Dr Garrett specializes in SLT laser treatment. SLT is a therapy that uses a special laser to reduce the pressure in the eye. It is usually painless, and the treatment takes a few minutes.
Glaucoma Treatments (SLT)Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes is a condition in which the body’s ability to process and store sugar has been impaired. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. People with untreated diabetes are said to be 25 times more at a risk for blindness than the general population. This is why it is important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Garrett for a diabetic eye examination if you believe you may be at risk for Diabetic Retinopathy. To learn more about the symptoms and treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy click the Learn More button below.
Diabetic RetinopathyDesignated ILASIK Surgery Center
Until recently, glasses and contacts were the only options available to correct vision. With the latest advances in technology and surgical procedures there are several new options available to correct vision problems including iLASIK! The Garrett Eye Center also offers free LASIK screenings for patients! Take advantage of this opportunity to speak with Dr.Garrett or Dr. Hartwig about the entire LASIK experience.
ILASIK