Age-Related Macular Degeneration

About Vision Loss in The Aged: AMD
Age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD, is one of the leading causes of blindness. It is a common eye disease associated with aging that gradually and painlessly destroys sharp, central vision.

Who is most likely to get AMD?
Yes, age is a factor in age-related macular degeneration. People over the age of 65 are more likely to be diagnosed with AMD than the younger population. Also, women tend to be at greater risk than men. Caucasians are much more likely to lose vision from AMD than African-Americans. Other common risk factors for contracting AMD include: having a family member with AMD, smoking, high blood pressure, farsightedness, and obesity.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration

AMD breaks down the macula, which is the light-sensitive part of the retina responsible for the sharp, direct vision needed to read, drive, recognize faces, and watch television. As the cells in the macula break down, there is a loss of vision in the central field of vision, but the peripheral vision is left intact. People with AMD say, “It is like there is a hole in your vision. You can't see very well straight on, but around the edges you can see quite clearly.”
There are two forms of AMD. The disease can be diagnosed as either dry or wet.
Dry AMD

The most common diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration is “Dry” AMD. Ninety percent (90%) of people who are diagnosed with AMD have the dry form. This occurs when small deposits called drusen start to accumulate beneath the macula. These deposits gradually break down the light-sensing cells in the macula, normally causing distorted vision in one eye, and eventually the other. It is important to monitor Dry AMD closely, as it can progress to the more severe wet form.
Wet AMD

Although “Wet” AMD is only diagnosed in 10% of all AMD cases, it is the more severe form of age-related macular degeneration. It occurs when tiny abnormal blood vessels begin to grow behind the retina toward the macula. They often leak blood and fluid that damage the macula, causing rapid and severe vision loss. Wet AMD almost always occurs in people who already have Dry AMD, and usually results in legal blindness.

What are the Symptoms of AMD and How is it Detected?
Declining vision noticed by the patient or by an eye care professional during a routine eye exam may be the first indicator. The following signs may be indicative of macular problems. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult an eye care professional immediately:
• Straight lines appear distorted and, in some cases, the center of vision appears more distorted than the rest of the scene.

• A dark, blurry area or “white-out” appears in the center of vision.
• Color perception changes or diminishes.

Is there a Cure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
While there is no cure for AMD presently, promising research is being done in a wide variety of areas, including radiation, nutritional, drug, and surgical therapies.

What are the Treatment Options?
Currently, no treatment exists for Dry AMD. It is recommended that people who are at risk for the disease eat a nutritious diet including plenty of green leafy vegetables, exercise regularly, and stop smoking. Wet AMD can sometimes be treated with laser surgery. This treatment involves aiming a strong light beam onto the new blood vessels to destroy them.

What can I do to Prevent and Help Find a Cure for AMD?
• Have annual routine eye exams.
• See your eye care professional without delay if you notice any decline in your vision.
• Volunteer to participate in eye studies.
• Support research efforts

This article about Age Related Macular Degeneration has been provided courtesy of DoctorDirect.