Jewel City Optometry · Glendale, CA
Macular Degeneration Care
Protecting your central vision starts with understanding changes and knowing your next step.
Dr. Arlene T. Yepremian, O.D., provides eye health evaluations and monitoring, with referral to a retinal specialist when needed. Whether you’ve noticed a change or already have a diagnosis, your care starts with a careful look at your vision and eye health.
New distortion or sudden central vision changes need prompt assessment. Call rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Understanding your vision
Changes in the details you see
The macula is the small central area of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Age-related macular degeneration affects this area, making everyday tasks such as reading or recognizing faces more difficult. Early changes can develop without noticeable symptoms.
Central blur
Words or faces can look less clear, or a dim or blank spot can appear in the center of your vision.
Distorted lines
Straight edges, such as door frames or lines of text, can appear wavy or bent. New distortion needs prompt attention.
Harder close-up tasks
Reading small print or seeing fine details can become harder, even with your usual glasses or better lighting.
These changes can have more than one cause. An eye examination helps identify what is affecting your sight.
A careful evaluation. A clear monitoring plan.
Your examination looks beyond your glasses prescription. We assess the health of your retina and discuss what the findings mean for your day-to-day vision.
Learn about comprehensive eye exams-
1. Understand your history
We discuss when symptoms began, whether one or both eyes are affected, your family history, and any previous eye diagnoses or treatment.
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2. Examine your vision and retina
Vision testing and a retinal assessment, including dilation when appropriate, help evaluate the macula. Additional imaging or specialist testing is arranged when indicated.
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3. Plan your follow-up
Your findings guide the timing of future visits. We also explain which changes to report and whether at-home monitoring, such as an Amsler grid, is appropriate.
Have questions about your central vision?
Schedule an evaluation and get guidance on your next steps.
Monitoring here. Specialist care when you need it.
Macular degeneration care depends on the type and stage of the condition. Dry macular degeneration typically involves gradual changes in the macula. Wet macular degeneration involves abnormal, leaking blood vessels and can cause rapid vision changes that require urgent specialist evaluation.
Your optometric care
Dr. Yepremian evaluates your eye health, monitors changes, and helps you understand follow-up recommendations. When specialist care is needed, referral and communication help keep your care connected.
Your retinal specialist’s role
A retinal specialist provides advanced evaluation and determines whether treatments, such as injections for wet macular degeneration, are appropriate. Treatment decisions are based on your specific findings.
Nutrition and supplements are individualized, too. AREDS2 supplements are recommended for certain stages of macular degeneration—not for everyone. Discuss your diagnosis, medications, and health history with your eye care provider before starting them.
When not to wait
New distortion deserves prompt attention
If straight lines suddenly look wavy, a new dark or blank spot appears, or central vision changes suddenly, seek assessment right away—even if there is no pain. Do not wait for your next scheduled exam.
Call our office for guidance. If you cannot reach us promptly, seek urgent eye care. Sudden loss of vision requires immediate emergency assessment.
Retinal imaging supports an eye examination; additional testing may be needed to assess the macula in detail.
Take the next step in caring for your vision
Visit Dr. Arlene T. Yepremian, O.D., at Jewel City Optometry for a thoughtful evaluation and a plan grounded in your eye health.
839 N Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91206