What you Need to Know about Age-Related Macular Degeneration

February is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)/low vision awareness month. AMD is a condition that affects older adults as their macula begins to deteriorate over time. Though it rarely leads to total blindness, it can seriously impact vision. However, early detection and treatment can slow the progression and reduce the severity of vision loss.

What happens in AMD?

 There are two different types of AMD: dry and wet. The majority of people get the dry form. With dry AMD, vision begins to decrease as small yellow deposits (drusen) form in the macula. As deposits increase, central vision gets increasingly distorted and blind spots may occur. In wet AMD, instead of yellow deposits forming, there is an abnormal growth of blood vessels that interferes with the macula. The blood vessels end up leaking and distorting vision. Scarring can lead to vision loss.

Symptoms of AMD

This condition can progress slowly or rapidly depending on the person. Some people hardly notice changes to their vision until they become more severe. Common symptoms include seeing blurry spots or changes in colors. This will occur within the central vision as opposed to peripheral vision. As the condition worsens, it can make activities such as reading, recognizing faces, driving, cooking, and writing more difficult. Risk factors include age, family history, high blood pressure or cholesterol, and smoking.

How it is diagnosed?

The eye doctor can usually detect issues during a routine eye exam. If AMD is suspected, they may conduct more thorough testing and evaluations to determine the extent and impact on vision. Angiography can identify the growth or leakage of blood vessels in the eye. Regular eye exams can help detect AMD early on and allow for more proactive treatment. This can protect remaining vision and potentially slow the progression of the condition.

Treatment Options

Treatment options will depend upon the type and severity of the AMD. Vitamins can be beneficial in supporting healthier vision and there are studies evaluating what combinations may be most effective. This can help in the early stages of AMD.

For more advanced cases, injections or medications can assist in preventing new blood vessels from forming or stopping leakage. In some cases this can reverse some vision loss. Laser therapy and laser surgery are two other options for dealing with abnormal blood vessels. They can be used to destroy problematic blood vessels or stop new ones from forming. Seniors may also benefit from assistive devices that enlarge objects so they are easier to see.

Because AMD does not generally lead to complete blindness, seniors can often learn to adapt. They may need to make some modifications, but by being proactive they can preserve as much vision as possible. For those who do have more serious central vision loss, assistance from an in-home caregiver can support them in staying safe while remaining more independent.

Regular eye exams can help prevent or detect many vision problems before they become more noticeable. Keep your eyes healthy by getting them checked and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.