San Antonio Macular Degeneration

About Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula, the central area of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The macula allows you to see fine details, read an eye chart, recognize faces, and perform everyday tasks that rely on clear central vision.
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AMD is the leading cause and number one cause of irreversible vision loss in adults 65 and older. While peripheral vision is often preserved, damage to the macula can cause a dark or empty area in the visual field, making straight lines appear distorted or causing an area to appear missing in the central area of sight. The exact cause of macular degeneration is not fully understood, but numerous studies show it is influenced by age, genetics, and other risk factors.

How Dry AMD and Wet AMD Affect Vision Differently

There are two types of macular degeneration: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. The dry form, also called the dry type or dry AMD, progresses slowly and is the most common cause of AMD-related vision changes. In advanced cases, it can lead to geographic atrophy, a condition called geographic atrophy, where cells in the retina gradually deteriorate.

The wet form, also referred to as wet AMD, involves abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina. These new blood vessels are fragile and may leak fluid or blood, leading to rapid vision loss if left untreated.

Dry AMD patients typically experience slow vision loss that worsens over time, while wet AMD patients may notice sudden changes caused by abnormal blood vessels and fluid buildup. Because progression varies, most patients are unaware of how advanced the disease is until it begins interfering with everyday tasks.

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When to See an Eye Doctor for Macular Degeneration

Early symptoms of San Antonio macular degeneration can be subtle and are often easy to overlook. Common symptoms include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty seeing straight lines, trouble reading in low light, or noticing that the central area of vision looks wavy or faded. Some patients report that colors appear less vibrant or that fine details become harder to see in one eye before affecting the other eye.
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You should schedule an eye exam if you notice new vision problems, distortion, or blind spots, or if you have known risk factors such as age, family history, smoking, or cardiovascular disease. Early detection plays a critical role in slowing the progression of the disease and protecting long-term sight.

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Our Macular Degeneration Evaluation Process

1Schedule Your Eye Care Consultation

Your visit begins with a thorough eye exam at Trinidad Vision. Our team reviews your medical history, evaluates your vision, and discusses symptoms that may indicate macular degeneration. We assess visual acuity, changes in central vision, and how vision issues are affecting everyday tasks.

2 Advanced Diagnostic Testing

We use advanced technologies to closely examine the retina, macula, and blood vessels beneath the surface of the eye. Diagnostic imaging allows us to detect abnormal blood vessel growth, identify new blood vessels, and distinguish between dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration.

3Personalized Treatment Planning

Based on your results, Dr. Trinidad will develop a customized care plan tailored to your diagnosis, disease stage, and risk profile. Each plan is designed to slow progression, reduce the risk of severe vision loss, and protect long-term sight.

Protect Your Central Vision

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What to Expect from Macular Degeneration Treatment

If macular degeneration is diagnosed, your care plan will focus on preserving central vision, managing symptoms, and slowing the progression of the disease. Treatment strategies differ depending on whether you have the dry form or wet form, but the goal remains the same: to maintain visual function and independence for as long as possible.
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For dry macular degeneration, patients generally follow a long-term monitoring plan that may include nutritional supplements, lifestyle guidance, and regular imaging to track subtle changes in the macula. Dry AMD patients often experience slow vision loss, making ongoing evaluation essential for early intervention if progression accelerates.
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For wet macular degeneration, treatment often begins promptly due to the risk of rapid vision loss caused by abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood into the retina. Most treatments are performed in-office, and many wet AMD patients notice stabilization or improvement in vision when therapy is started early. Recovery timelines vary, but most patients are able to resume normal activities quickly following treatment.

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Dr. Jake Trinidad

Medical Director & Lead Surgeon

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Why Choose Trinidad Vision for Macular Degeneration Care?

At Trinidad Vision, macular degeneration care is never generic. Led by Dr. Jake Trinidad, our practice combines clinical expertise with a patient-centered approach focused on long-term eye health and clear communication.
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We take time to explain your diagnosis, discuss risk factors, and outline realistic expectations for treatment and monitoring. From early detection through advanced management of wet AMD or geographic atrophy, our team provides clear guidance at every stage.
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Patients choose Trinidad Vision for our commitment to precision diagnostics, individualized treatment strategies, and ongoing support for those living with age-related macular degeneration in San Antonio, TX.

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What Our Patients Are Saying

I’ve found the ophthalmologist that I was looking for!!

“This was the most comfortable Dr appointment I’ve ever had.. there was no waiting.. the machines for checking out your eyes were so easy.. and I was so happy to reunite with a first grade student that I had the pleasure of teaching .. Dr. Trinidad!! What a sweet surprise..
His office has great technicians and the atmosphere was very welcoming !! I’ve found the ophthalmologist that I was looking for !!"

Trudy A.

Dr Trinidad and his staff are a great team.

“They are well organized. Office wait time has been very short, about 5 minutes each time I have visited! Just had surgery and now I have 20/20 vision. I highly recommend Dr Trinidad”

Keelin W.

Dr Trinidad is absolutely the best!

“I’m almost 86 years old been to a lot of ophthalmologists and he is without a doubt the most communicative, caring, brilliant, best kept secret in San Antonio! Highly recommend not doing anybody with him he has it all.”

Trudy A.

Very compassionate and professional and gave me peace of mind.

"My visit with Dr.Trinidad and his staff was for my annual Diabetic eye exam. It went extremely well, Dr Trinidad's staff made me feel very much at ease. After Dr. Trinidad examined my eye's.He took his time to explain his findings and scheduled a followup.I would highly recommend Dr. Trinidad. He was very compassionate and professional and gave me peace of mind. Thank you so much to Dr. Trinidad and staff."

Joseph Luciano

They were helpful and knowledgeable.

"I had an excellent experience with Dr. Trinidad and his medical assistants and other employees... The Dr. and his staff was wonderful, and they were able to diagnose my problems effectively, providing me with the information and advice needed."

Grant H.

Just had surgery and now I have 20/20 vision

"Dr Trinidad and his staff are a great team. They are well organized. Office wait time has been very short, about 5 minutes each time I have visited! Just had surgery and now I have 20/20 vision. I highly recommend Dr Trinidad"

Keelin W.

Absolutely the warmest Dr. Visit I had in awhile

"Absolutely the warmest Dr. Visit I had in awhile, the communication how Dr. Trinidad explained everything so detailed was very impressed. Honestly felt like I was talking to a childhood friend 👌. Nicole as a representative at the front was incredibly pleasant..."

Donivon Y.

Above and beyond

"Everyone had patience, was understanding, and went above and beyond to calm my nerves through out my whole visit. Not only did Dr.Trinidad take his time to make sure I understood what he was seeing/going on with my eyes but he truly does care and is passionate about his work. I definitely will be making him the person I go to for all my eye visits."

Kayla W.

Financing & Insurance

We understand that managing macular degeneration is an important investment in your long-term vision. Trinidad Vision accepts most major insurance providers, including VSP and other vision plans, and offers flexible financing options to help make care accessible.
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Contact our office to review your coverage, discuss treatment costs, or explore payment options tailored to your needs.

Financing & Insurance Options

Macular Degeneration Treatment Options at Trinidad Vision

There is currently no cure for macular degeneration, but modern medical treatment options can slow progression, reduce symptoms, and help preserve remaining vision. At Trinidad Vision, treatment plans are tailored to the type of macular degeneration, stage of disease, and each patient’s visual needs.

Monitoring and Diagnostic Care

Regular monitoring is essential for AMD patients. Diagnostic tools such as retinal imaging, visual acuity testing, and Amsler grid evaluation help track changes in the macula and identify early signs of abnormal blood vessel growth. Patients are often guided on how to monitor changes at home between visits.

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Treatment for Dry Macular Degeneration

For dry macular degeneration, treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and supporting retinal health. Lifestyle guidance and routine exams help manage symptoms and detect progression toward geographic atrophy.

Treatment for Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet macular degeneration requires prompt intervention. Wet AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth and blood vessels that can leak fluid into the retina. Treatment often includes medications delivered via injection to block blood vessel growth and stabilize vision.
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In select cases, laser surgery or newer combination therapies may be recommended to address abnormal blood flow and protect the central area of vision. These newer drugs have significantly improved outcomes for wet AMD patients when started early.

Vision Support and Adaptive Solutions

When vision changes affect daily life, special glasses, magnification devices, and other low-vision tools can help patients maintain independence. These solutions are designed to enhance contrast, manage light sensitivity, and improve function during everyday activities.
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If you are concerned about macular degeneration, early evaluation makes a difference. Our team in San Antonio, TX, uses advanced technologies to diagnose, monitor, and manage AMD with a personalized approach focused on protecting your vision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Macular Degeneration

When should I be evaluated for macular degeneration?

You should schedule an evaluation if you notice distorted straight lines, difficulty seeing fine details, or a growing dark or empty area in your central area of vision. Early assessment is especially important if you have known risk factors such as age or family history.

What is the difference between dry AMD and wet AMD?

Dry AMD involves the gradual deterioration of retinal cells and typically causes slow vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessel growth leads to leaking fluid or blood, increasing the risk of rapid vision loss without treatment.

Can macular degeneration cause complete blindness?

Macular degeneration does not usually cause total blindness, as peripheral vision is often preserved. However, untreated progression can result in significant loss of central vision, making reading, driving, and recognizing faces difficult.

Is there a cure for macular degeneration?

There is currently no cure for AMD. However, modern treatment options can slow progression, reduce symptoms, and help protect remaining sight, especially when diagnosed early.

How often should AMD patients have eye exams?

Most AMD patients require regular follow-up visits to monitor changes in the retina and adjust treatment as needed. Your doctor will recommend an exam schedule based on the type and stage of the disease.

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About Macular Degeneration

How Dry AMD and Wet AMD Affect Vision Differently

When to See an Eye Doctor for Macular Degeneration