Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a vision disorder that predominantly affects older people, resulting in eye loss in the center of the eye. It attacks the macula, which is the region of the retina responsible for enabling you to spot fine details—things such as reading, recognizing faces, or driving. Although AMD does not typically result in total blindness, it can cause everyday tasks to become significantly more difficult.
The two types of AMD are dry and wet. Dry AMD is the more prevalent type, accounting for approximately 85-90% of cases. It progresses slowly and occurs when small yellow deposits, referred to as drusen, accumulate beneath the retina. These deposits may interfere with the retina functioning normally, causing progressive vision loss. Currently, there are no treatments that can cure dry AMD, but some vitamins and mineral supplements may slow it.
Wet AMD is not as prevalent but far more dangerous. It arises when new blood vessels that are abnormal form underneath the retina and leak fluid, which destroys the macula. Fortunately, wet AMD can be treated effectively. Physicians usually administer anti-VEGF injections to prevent these new blood vessels from growing. Sometimes laser therapy or surgery may be employed as well, but that’s less common.
There are several things that increase your risk for developing AMD, such as becoming older, having a family history of the condition, smoking, obesity, hypertension, and a diet rich in saturated fats. If you have a risk factor, eye exams on a regular basis are actually crucial to finding the condition in its early stages and treating it before it progresses.
It’s also useful to know that AMD is different from other eye diseases, such as glaucoma. Although both can cause vision loss, glaucoma primarily attacks your side (peripheral) vision by destroying the optic nerve. AMD attacks your central vision by destroying the macula. Since they are so different, each requires certain types of diagnosis and treatment.
Taking care of your eyes means getting regular check-ups, eating a healthy, balanced diet, and staying away from smoking. While AMD is a chronic condition, new treatments are offering individuals more choices than ever before to slow its development and keep their vision.
More for you: