Age-related macular degeneration--also called AMD--is a leading cause of vision loss in
older Americans.
This eye disease damages the macula--a small region in the center of the eye's light-sensing
tissue, called the retina.
The macula contains millions of cells that give us sharp, central, and color vision.
The vision that we use to read, write, watch TV, drive, and do other everyday tasks.
Because AMD is a progressive disease, it may worsen with time.
However, it advances differently from person to person, and even from eye to eye.
Some people go for years without noticeable symptoms, while others experience rapid vision
loss.
Eye care professionals can detect AMD, and monitor its progress with a dilated eye exam.
Special eye drops widen, or dilate, pupils, and magnifying equipment gives a better view
of the retina.
This can reveal any changes such as a build-up of drusen, the small, yellowish deposits that
form beneath the macula, and can indicate AMD.
In the early stage of AMD, vision is rarely affected, although some people may have difficulty
reading in low light, or seeing small electronic screens.
In the intermediate stage, most people still don't have significant symptoms, although
some may need more light or magnification to read or see fine details.
In the late stage, most people will have some vision loss.
The person may notice a blurred spot developing in the center of their vision, which can grow
and darken over time.
Straight lines may start to look wavy, and objects may appear to change shape, or move.
Color vision and the ability to see contrast in shading, can also decline.
There are two types of late-stage AMD.
In dry AMD, the macula gradually breaks down.
In wet AMD, abnormal and fragile blood vessels grow underneath the macula, leak, and cause
swelling and damage that can lead to rapid and severe vision loss.
AMD rarely causes complete blindness, however, wet AMD can lead to legal blindness without
proper treatment.
So what can you do to reduce your risk of AMD?
The disease is more common with age and people over 60 have the highest risk.
People with a family history of AMD, and who are Caucasian, also have a higher risk.
While you can't change your age or your family tree, there are things you can do to prevent,
or delay, vision loss.
Don't smoke, and quit if you do.
Wear proper sunglasses.
Eat a diet rich in vision-protecting vitamins and minerals.
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
Work with your healthcare professional to control high blood pressure and other cardiovascular
risk factors.
Get regular, comprehensive, dilated eye exams--especially if you notice changes in your vision.
The earlier AMD and other eye diseases are detected, the more treatment options are available.
Although currently there are no treatments for early AMD, a healthy lifestyle can help
you keep your vision longer.
The AREDS2 supplements--a combination of certain high-dose vitamins--have been shown to help
slow vision loss in intermediate AMD.
For wet AMD, there are treatments available that can help slow its progress, and even
restore vision loss in some.
After numbing the eye, a drug is injected that works by blocking the protein that promotes
new blood vessel growth.
These injections can be intimidating at first, but it's important not to skip any.
Without regular treatments, any improvements can be reversed and future vision loss can
be harder to treat.
Laser surgery, and photodynamic therapy can also treat wet AMD, but are becoming less
commonly used.
Scientists are also making progress in understanding the genetics of AMD, and how the disease develops.
And exploring promising ways to stop or slow the disease, regenerate new retinal cells,
and more.
If you have vision loss from AMD, you should discuss low vision rehabilitation with your
eye care professional.
Coping with vision loss can be scary, but there's a lot of help out there, and most
people can learn to adapt with their remaining peripheral--or side vision.
A low vision specialist can make recommendations for changes to your work and living environments
and low vision devices may improve your ability to see and function.
Family, friends, and counselors can help you stay positive, and support groups can connect
you with others who are going through similar experiences.
And a strong team of healthcare professionals, family, and friends can help you make the
most of your remaining vision.
Visit these organizations on-line for more information: