Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): What You Need to Know

AMD image

Imagine looking at your favorite picture, but the center is blurred, affecting how you see the world and the details within it. This can be the reality for someone experiencing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common eye condition primarily affecting people in their later years. This blog post will guide you through understanding AMD, its impact, and the support available at The Center for Retina and Macular Disease.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration is a medical condition that gradually destroys central vision, which is crucial for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. It occurs when the macula, the part of the retina responsible for clear vision in your direct line of sight, deteriorates.

5 Important Things to Know About Age-Related Macular
Degeneration

If you’ve been diagnosed with macular degeneration, it’s essential to consult with an eye doctor who specializes in retinal diseases. At the Center for Retina & Macular Disease, our team provides expert care tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Here’s what you can expect during your treatment journey:

  1. Types of AMD: There are two main types of AMD—dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is characterized by the thinning of the macula and is the most common form. Wet macular degeneration, less common but more severe, occurs when new blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluids and blood, leading to rapid vision loss.
  2. Risk Factors: Several factors can increase your risk of developing AMD. These include age, smoking, high blood pressure, and a family history of the disease. Genetics play a significant role, but lifestyle choices such as diet and smoking can also impact your risk levels.
  3. Symptoms to Watch For: Early AMD often doesn’t present with symptoms. As the condition progresses, you might notice blurred or wavy vision, and straight lines might appear distorted. A common symptom is a dark or empty area in the center of vision.
  4. Diagnosis Through Advanced Technology: Diagnosing AMD involves a comprehensive eye exam that includes viewing the macula. Optical coherence tomography, a sophisticated imaging test, allows eye doctors to see detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, helping to identify the presence of fluid or blood vessels that characterize wet AMD.
  5. Managing AMD: While there is no cure for AMD, several treatments can slow its progression and manage symptoms. For wet AMD, treatments like injections of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors help slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Photodynamic therapy and laser therapy are also options for some patients. For dry AMD, lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, using low vision aids, and monitoring vision regularly can be beneficial.

What are the Symptoms of AMD?

Symptoms of Dry AMD:

  • Often no symptoms in the early stages; changes are gradual
  • Gradually blurred central vision
  • Need for brighter light when reading
  • Difficulty adapting to low light levels
  • Colors appear less vivid
  • Blurry or blank spots in the center of vision

Symptoms of Wet AMD:

  • May not show symptoms until significant damage has occurred
  • Rapid loss of central vision
  • Visual distortions, such as straight lines appearing wavy
  • Dark spots in the center of vision
  • Colors appear washed out
  • Increased blurriness of printed words
Symptoms of AMD img

Get Help with AMD Today at The Center for Retina and Macular
Disease

At The Center for Retina and Macular Disease, we are dedicated to advancing care for those affected by AMD. With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and a team of experienced specialists, we’re here to support every patient through their journey, helping to preserve and maximize remaining vision. Remember, early detection through regular eye exams with an eye doctor can make a significant difference in managing AMD.