Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a disease that gradually degenerates the central vision with age. Central vision is defined as vision needed for common daily functions such as reading or watching T.V. AMD affects the macula (located in the center of the retina). There is no pain associated with the disease and can progress slowly or quickly, depending on the patient.
There are two types of Macular Dengeration, Wet AMD and Dry AMD. Patients typically have Dry AMD first, while some patients may then progress into having Wet AMD.
Drusen: Drusen are yellow deposits under the retina which can be the early signs of a patient developing macular degeneration. Drusen are caused by a build up of free radicals in the back of the eye causing the aging process to progress. Drusen can only be diagnosed on a dilated eye exam.
Dry AMD: Initially, patients may be asymptomatic and the signs of the disease may only be diagnosed on a dilated examination. Early signs of Dry AMD include: seeing wavy or blurred central vision. Over time, as the macula degenerates, it stops functioning causing the patient to lose their central vision.
Wet AMD: Is defined as advanced AMD. This occurs when the blood vessels inside the eye become weak and leak fluid and blood into the person’s central vision causing rapid central vision loss.
Risk Factors for Developing AMD:
- Smoking
- Family history of AMD
- Light colored eyes
- Light skin complexion
- Poor nutrition
- Obesity
- Sun exposure
- Gender – women are at a higher risk than men
Prevention and Treatment:
A Change in Focus From Treatment to Prevention
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is now the leading cause of permanent vision loss in U.S. and there is consensus in the scientific community that AMD has not only a genetic, but also a lifestyle and nutritional component. This has led us to understand that AMD can potentially be prevented. The changes that are known to help prevent and reduce the severity of AMD are: weight control, smoking cessation, and nutritional supplementation.
Treatment Options for Wet AMD:
Once diagnosed with Wet AMD, the treatment options will vary depending on the severity of the disease. It is possible to have either laser treatment or injection treatments by a retina specialist to help stop the Wet AMD from getting worse; however, once a patient has developed AMD there is no current treatment to reverse the damage.
The doctors at Morris Eye Group can help diagnose and make suggestions for prevention or treatment of AMD. For this reason, amongst others, we highly recommend annual eye exams to help detect and prevent as much vision loss as possible.
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