169 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905
Phone: 607-798-5991
Lasers have excelled as a tool for eye surgery and are used to
treat many diseases that may affect different parts of the eye. The
laser treatment itself usually takes a short time to perform, and
in most cases, the treatment is painless and non-traumatic.
What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a blinding disease
that affects the macula (middle of the retina) in one or both eyes.
AMD destroys the central vision necessary for reading, driving, and
performing other daily tasks.
There are two forms of AMD: wet and dry. The most common, dry
AMD, occurs when the tissues of the macula break down or become
thin, causing a small - but growing - blind spot in the middle of
your field of vision. As dry AMD worsens, new blood vessels grow,
which can cause wet AMD. When wet AMD occurs, these new blood
vessels break and leak blood and fluid under the macula, which
quickly causes vision loss.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of AMD?
- Straight lines, such as telephone poles, appear wavy
- Type in books or newspapers appears blurry
- Dark spots or empty spaces appear in the center of your
vision
Who is at Risk for AMD?
More than 15 million Americans 60 years of age and older suffer
from AMD. The cause is unknown, but the risk for AMD increases with
age. Those at greatest risk are older, Caucasian, blue-eyed women
with a family history of AMD. Smoking, high blood pressure, and a
high-fat diet also increase your chances of getting AMD.
What Else Can I Do?
- Control high blood pressure
- Eat a diet low in fats and high in fruits/vegetables
- Protect your eyes from sunlight
- Quit smoking
How is AMD Treated?
Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for dry AMD,
although research continues. When detected early, wet AMD can be
treated with laser surgery to remove the leaky blood vessels and
prevent further sight loss.
Lourdes Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment
Center has been designed with you in mind. Lasers for use
in skin and eye treatments are conveniently located in a
comfortable hospital setting. Every possible effort will be made to
make your stay at Lourdes as comfortable as possible.
How to Get There
Lourdes Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment Center
is located on the main floor of the hospital inside the
Atrium. Convenient parking is available in Lot D. Turn
into the main entrance of the hospital at West Drive (across from
Kneeland Avenue). Proceed past the Emergency Room and DePaul
Pavilion to parking lot D at the rear of the hospital. The parking
area is labeled "Ambulatory Surgery Parking." Please enter the
hospital through the Ozanam entrance at the rear of the hospital.
Proceed to elevators 1 & 2. Take elevators 1 & 2 to the
main floor. As you get off the elevator, there is a hallway to the
right; follow this hallway to the Atrium located on your left.
Please check in with the Secretary in the Ophthalmology Surgery /
Laser Treatment Center. The entrance to the Center is located
across from the gift shop/café.
For further information, consult your
doctor or call Lourdes Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment
Center at 607-798-5991.
