Macular Degeneration
AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the United States for people over 65.
As baby boomers reach age 65 and beyond, millions of people are at risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that damages the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision.
When the macula is damaged changes in your central vision may occur including:
- Blurriness
- Distortion of images
- Potential loss of central vision.
In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes.
There are two forms of AMD, dry and wet. About 90% of people diagnosed with AMD have dry AMD. Early AMD always starts out as dry, but in about 10% of cases it can develop into wet AMD.
People with AMD may not experience changes in their central vision until the disease progresses to the advanced stages. So it’s important for every one age 65 or older to have an annual eye exam.
Macular Degeneration
Dry AMD
Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. As dry AMD gets worse, you may see a blurred spot in the center of your vision. Over time, as less of the macula functions, central vision is gradually lost in the affected eye.
The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. You may have difficulty recognizing faces. You may need more light for reading and other tasks. Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected.
One of the most common early signs of dry AMD is drusen.
Drusen are yellow deposits under the retina. They often are found in people over age 60. Your eye care professional can detect drusen during a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
Drusen alone do not usually cause vision loss. In fact, scientists are unclear about the connection between drusen and AMD.
They do know that an increase in the size or number of drusen raises a person's risk of developing either advanced dry AMD or wet AMD. Advanced AMD changes can cause serious vision loss.
AMD has three stages, all of which may occur in one or both eyes:
- Early AMD: People with early AMD have either several small drusen or a few medium-sized drusen. At this stage, there are no symptoms and no vision loss.
- Intermediate AMD: People with intermediate AMD have either many medium-sized drusen or one or more large drusen. Some people see a blurred spot in the center of their vision. More light may be needed for reading and other tasks.
- Advanced Dry AMD: In addition to drusen, people with advanced dry AMD have a breakdown of light-sensitive cells and supporting tissue in the central retinal area. This breakdown can cause a blurred spot in the center of your vision. Over time, the blurred spot may get bigger and darker, taking more of your central vision. You may have difficulty reading or recognizing faces until they are very close to you.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD occurs when delicate, abnormal blood vessels form under the retina. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid, causing the retina to distort or scar. Damage to the macula occurs rapidly.With wet AMD, loss of central vision can occur quickly. Your doctor can recommend interventions to help limit your vision loss to wet AMD.
Symptoms
AMD affects central vision, which is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of AMD is not known, however some people are known to be at greater risk.
Researchers have found links between AMD and some lifestyle choices, such as smoking. You might be able to reduce your risk of AMD or slow its progression by making these healthy choices:
- Avoid smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Eat a healthy diet rich in green, leafy vegetables and fish
