Vision Health Library
Macular Degeneration (AMD): Symptoms, Risk Factors and Treatment
Age-related macular degeneration, commonly called AMD, is an eye disease that affects central vision. It develops when the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp forward vision, becomes damaged.
AMD does not usually cause complete blindness because peripheral vision may remain intact. However, loss of central vision can make everyday activities such as reading, recognizing faces, driving, cooking and seeing fine details much more difficult.
The condition may progress slowly in some people and more rapidly in others. Early AMD can develop without noticeable symptoms, which is one reason regular eye examinations are so important.
What Is the Macula?
The macula is a small central area of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye.
It provides the detailed central vision needed for tasks such as reading, driving, recognizing faces and seeing fine detail.
When the macula becomes damaged by age-related macular degeneration, central vision may become blurred, distorted or partially missing.
Two Types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
There are two primary forms of age-related macular degeneration: dry AMD and wet AMD.
Dry Macular Degeneration
Dry AMD, also called atrophic AMD, is the more common form. It develops as the macula becomes thinner with age.
Dry AMD can be classified as early, intermediate or late stage.
The disease may progress slowly over many years, and patients in the early stages may not notice any change in their vision.
Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet AMD, also called advanced neovascular AMD, is less common but can cause more rapid vision loss.
It develops when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and damage the macula.
Dry AMD can progress to wet AMD, and wet AMD is considered a late-stage form of the disease.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
Symptoms depend on the type and stage of AMD.
Early Dry AMD
Early dry AMD may cause no noticeable symptoms.
A person may feel that vision is normal even though changes have already begun inside the retina.
Intermediate Dry AMD
Some people with intermediate AMD still have few symptoms, while others may notice mild central blurring or increasing difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.
Late AMD
Late AMD can cause more significant changes in central vision.
Possible symptoms include:
- Straight lines appearing crooked or wavy
- Blurred central vision
- Blank or missing spots in central vision
- Colors appearing less vivid
- Difficulty seeing in low light
If straight lines suddenly begin to look distorted or wavy, the change should be evaluated promptly.
Who Is at Risk for AMD?
The risk of age-related macular degeneration increases with age. Your original article notes that people age 55 and older are more likely to develop AMD.
Other risk factors described in your original material include:
- Family history of AMD
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- An unhealthy diet
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Long-term ultraviolet exposure
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
Because early AMD may not cause noticeable vision changes, regular eye examinations are important for identifying retinal changes before symptoms become obvious.
Patients with a family history of AMD or other risk factors may need particularly close monitoring.
Can You Lower the Risk of AMD?
Your original article emphasizes several lifestyle measures that may support long-term eye and cardiovascular health.
- Do not smoke, or stop smoking
- Stay physically active
- Maintain healthy blood pressure
- Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
- Eat a nutritious diet that includes vegetables, leafy greens and fish
How Is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?
A comprehensive dilated eye examination allows the eye doctor to examine the retina and macula for changes associated with AMD.
Dilating eye drops temporarily enlarge the pupils, giving the doctor a clearer view of structures at the back of the eye.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
An optical coherence tomography examination, commonly called OCT, may also be used to evaluate the retina.
OCT creates detailed images of the retinal layers and can help the doctor evaluate changes in the macula.
Treatment for Early AMD
Your original article explains that early AMD is generally monitored through periodic eye examinations rather than treated with a specific procedure.
Healthy lifestyle habits such as maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking remain important.
Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements
For some patients with intermediate macular degeneration, specific vitamin and mineral supplements may be recommended to help reduce the risk of progression to more advanced disease.
Patients who have advanced AMD in one eye may also be advised to use certain supplements in an effort to protect the other eye.
Because supplements are not appropriate for every patient, the decision should be made with an eye doctor who is familiar with the stage and type of AMD present.
Treatment for Wet AMD
Wet macular degeneration has treatment options designed to slow further vision loss and control abnormal blood vessel growth.
Anti-VEGF Treatment
Your original article describes anti-VEGF medications that can be injected into the eye to help slow the progression of vision loss associated with abnormal blood vessel growth.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy, commonly called PDT, is another treatment discussed in your original article.
It combines medication with laser treatment to target abnormal blood vessels in selected cases.
Living With Advanced Dry AMD
Advanced dry AMD can significantly affect central vision.
When central vision cannot be restored, patients can work with their eye care team to make the best use of their remaining vision and adapt everyday activities.
If advanced disease affects only one eye, monitoring and protecting the other eye becomes especially important.
Research Into Macular Degeneration
Research into the causes and treatment of age-related macular degeneration continues.
Your original article discusses investigations involving stem cells and other developing therapies for dry AMD. These areas remain subjects of ongoing research and clinical study.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Because early AMD may produce no symptoms, routine comprehensive eye examinations are important even when vision seems unchanged.
If you notice new central blurring, blank spots, difficulty seeing in low light or straight lines beginning to appear crooked or wavy, your eyes should be evaluated promptly.
At Choice Vision Care & Wellness in Wellington, Florida, Dr. Salvatore DeCanio can evaluate the retina and macula, monitor changes associated with AMD and help determine when additional testing or retinal treatment may be appropriate.