What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) occurs when the center of the retina is damaged. This part of the retina is called the macula. The macula is the part of the eye that helps us to see fine details. When it is damaged, the vision in the center of your eye blurs or darkens. Your side vision does not often change. Most people keep enough useful vision to live on their own. But tasks like reading and driving sooner or later become impossible. This eye condition is the leading cause of vision loss in seniors. But as a rule, it does not lead to total blindness.

What Is Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

It is the most common form found in 90% of people with the disease. Dry AMD occurs when the macular tissues of your eye get thin and slowly lose function. About 14% to 20% of people with dry AMD go on to get wet AMD.

What Is Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Wet AMD is caused by leaking blood vessels that grow behind the macula. These leaks cause scar tissue to form on the retina. While the wet stage of the disease is less common, it often does more damage than the dry stage. If it is not treated, wet AMD may get worse rapidly.

What Are The Symptoms Of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

• Loss of the ability to see objects clearly
• Straight lines appear to be wavy, distorted vision
• Loss of clear and correct color vision
• Print looks washed out while reading
• A dark area blocks the vision in the center of your eye
• A gray or white spot appears in the center of your vision

Having one or more of these symptoms may not mean you have AMD. But, if you have any of these symptoms, you should see your eye doctor right away.

Who Is At Risk For Developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

The disease is more common in people with a:

• Family history of age-related macular degeneration
• Light complexion
• History of heart disease or lung infection
• History of smoking

How Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treated?

There is no treatment for dry AMD at this time. However, you should still see an eye doctor often so that the condition can be watched. Your doctor may also want you to take vitamins C and E plus zinc to help slow the disease.

Some cases of wet AMD can be treated with lasers. The laser treatment seals off leaking blood vessels. This can slow or even prevent more damage to the eye.

No treatment can restore sight that has already been lost due to dry or wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).