Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of poor vision after age 60. AMD is a deterioration or breakdown of the macula. The macula is a small area at the center of the retina in the back of the eye that allows us to see fine details clearly and perform activities such as reading and driving.
The symptoms of AMD involve loss of central vision. While peripheral (side) vision is unaffected, with AMD, one loses the sharp, straight-ahead vision necessary for driving, reading, recognizing faces, and looking at detail.
While age is the most significant risk factor for developing AMD, heredity, blue eyes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and smoking have also been identified as risk factors.
Most people who have AMD have atrophic or “dry” AMD, which results in thinning of the macula. Dry AMD takes many years to develop. A specific vitamin regimen, certain eye injections, and light therapy have been shown to slow progression of dry AMD.
Exudative or “wet” AMD is less common but is more serious. In the wet form of AMD, abnormal blood vessels may grow in a layer beneath the retina, leaking fluid and blood and creating distortion or a large blind spot in the center of your vision. Eye injections of certain medications are being used to treat wet AMD.
Promising AMD research is being done on many fronts. In the meantime, high intensity reading lamps, magnifiers, and other low vision aids help people with AMD make the most of their remaining vision.
Regular eye exams are essential for detecting AMD early and preserving as much vision as possible. If you have questions about your eye health or would like to schedule an evaluation, please contact our clinic.