Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

This is the leading cause of vision loss in people aged 50 years and older. It happens when a small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates. The macula is the part of the eye that provides sharp, central vision needed for seeing objects clearly. Having this condition makes it harder to recognize faces, walk, drive, read or do work close up like fixing things around the house.

About

There are two main types of AMD: Dry and Wet.

DRY AMD

This is when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. This is the more common of the two types of AMD. In the early stages of Dry AMD, you may not be aware of any symptoms. As the disease advances, you may notice the following:

  • Visual distortions of objects, such as straight lines appearing crooked or wavy, or objects such as street signs appearing lopsided
  •  Objects appearing smaller than they are, or father away
  • Decreased vision in the center of your viewing area
  • Colors appearing dull or lessened in intensity
  • Blurry or blind spots in your field of vision
  • Seeing shapes, people and /or animals that are not really there

WET AMD

Wet AMD is the more advanced type of AMD. This is when abnormal blood vessels develop beneath the macular retina and leak blood and fluid, resulting in scarring and visual impairment. Wet AMD usually progresses more rapidly than the dry version, and generally leads to more serious vision loss.

FYI

Macular degeneration is most common in people older than 65.

RISK FACTORS

  • Age. Risk increases as you age, especially after age 50
  • Family history of macular degeneration
  • Race. Macular degeneration is more common in Caucasians than it is in other races
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Diet. A diet that includes few fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of macular degeneration
  • High blood pressure. Diseases that affect the circulatory system, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, may increase the risk of macular degeneration
  • Inflammation. Your immune system can cause swelling of your body tissues, which may increase the risk of macular degeneration
  • Cardiovascular disease

Symptoms

DRY AMD Symptoms

  • Needing brighter light when reading or doing close work
  • Difficulty adapting to low light levels, such as when entering a dimly lit room
  • Increasing blurriness of printed words
  • A decrease in the intensity or brightness of colors
  • Difficulty recognizing faces
  • Hazy or less well-defined vision
  • Straight lines look irregular or bent, and objects appear a different color or shape in each of the eyes

WET AMD Symptoms

  • Visual distortions, such as straight lines appearing wavy or crooked, a doorway or street sign looking lopsided, or objects appearing smaller or farther away than they really are
  • Decreased central vision
  • Decreased intensity or brightness of colors
  • Blurry spots or blind spots in your field of vision
  • Seeing shapes, people and /or animals that are not really there

Prevention

  • Routine eye exams
  • Manage your other diseases
  • Stop smoking
  • Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
  • Choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and include fish

Diagnosis

Eye exams are done with a slit-lamp exam. An optometrist will shine a light into your eye and looking through a scope, be able to see in the back of your eye.

Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider

  • How often should I see my eye doctor for routine exams?
  • What kind of macular degeneration do I have?
  • How advanced is my macular degeneration?
  • Will I experience further vision loss?
  • Will taking a vitamin or mineral supplement help prevent further vision loss?
  • What’s the best way to monitor my vision for any changes?
  • What low vision aids or adaptive devices might be helpful to me?
  • Is it safe for me to drive?

Treatments

Macular degeneration can’t be cured and treatment can’t reverse what’s already occurred. Dry macular degeneration usually progresses slowly and many people with the condition can live relatively normal, productive lives especially if only one eye is affected. In either case, if diagnosed early, you can do things to help slow progression.

DRY AMD Treatment

There is currently no cure for Dry AMD, but there are steps you can take that may reduce vision loss. This includes changes in your diet and vitamin intake. Your healthcare provider may also recommend surgery to implant a telescopic lens in your eye to improve your vision.

WET AMD Treatment

Wet AMD can result in severe vision loss. However, treatments from your eye care professional may prevent further vision loss. These treatments can include injections of drugs that block the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Less commonly, laser surgery may be performed to treat Wet AMD.

Last modified: June 2, 2014