Age Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that can cause blurring of your central vision. It happens when there is damage to the macula — the part of the retina that controls sharp, focused vision.
AMD is a fairly common condition. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. AMD doesn’t cause complete blindness, but losing your central vision can make it harder to see faces, read, drive, or do close-up work.
AMD happens slowly in some people and faster in others. If you have early AMD, you may not notice vision loss for a long time. That’s why it’s important to get regular eye exams.
Two Types of AMD
Most people with AMD have dry AMD. This is when the macula gets thinner with age. Dry AMD happens in 3 stages: early, intermediate, and late. It usually progresses slowly over several years. There’s no treatment for late dry AMD, but you can find ways to make the most of your remaining vision. If you have late dry AMD in one eye, you can take steps to protect your other eye.
Wet AMD is a less common type of late AMD and it usually causes faster vision loss. Any stage of dry AMD can turn into wet AMD, but wet AMD is always late stage. Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye and damage the macula.
Symptoms of AMD
- By the time symptoms are noticed, AMD is usually well established. People first may notice mild blurriness in their central vision or trouble seeing in low lighting.
- In late AMD (wet or dry type), many people notice that straight lines start to look wavy or crooked. They may also notice a blurry area in the center of their vision. Over time, this blurry area may get larger or there may be blank spots. Colors may also seem less bright than before, or it may be more difficult to see in low lighting.
AMD Risk Factors
The risk for developing AMD increases with age.
- Age 55 and older
- Have a family history of AMD
- Are Caucasian
- Smoke
Lowering AMD Risk
Research shows that you may be able to lower your risk of AMD (or slow vision loss from AMD) by making these healthy choices:
- Quit smoking — or don’t start
- Get regular physical activity
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Eat healthy foods, including leafy green vegetables and fish
Diagnosing AMD
Eye doctors check for AMD as part of a comprehensive dilated eye exam. The exam is simple and painless. An eye doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil and then check your eyes for AMD and other eye problems.
Treatment for AMD
Treatment for AMD depends on the stage and type. There’s currently no treatment for early AMD, so your eye doctor will probably just keep track of how your eyes are doing with regular eye exams. Eating healthy, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking can also help.
If you have intermediate AMD in 1 or both eyes, special dietary supplements (vitamins and minerals) may be able to stop it from turning into late AMD. If you have late AMD in only 1 eye, these supplements may slow down AMD in your other eye.
If you have wet AMD, there are other treatments that may be able to stop further vision loss:
- Medicines called anti-VEGF drugs that the doctor injects in your eye
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a combination of injections and laser treatment
There’s currently no treatment for late dry AMD — but researchers are hard at work looking for treatment options. And you can get support to help you live with vision loss from AMD.
Living with vision loss from AMD
Not everyone with AMD develops late AMD or gets it in both eyes. If you do, living with vision loss from AMD can be challenging. Having low vision means that even with glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, your vision loss makes it hard to do everyday tasks.
There are things that can help, like low vision devices and vision rehabilitation services. Vision rehabilitation can help you learn the skills you need to stay independent and active with low vision.
The Future with AMD
Research is currently focused on the causes and treatment of AMD. A recent National Institute of Health team successfully transplanted a stem cell produced patch of AMD effected retina.
It is important to have regular eye exams as you age to detect any developing issues with your eyes.
A Professional Caregiver
A professional caregiver can be an important part of your support system when you are working on living your best life. A professional caregiver can provide support, care, and companionship for you in the comfort of your own home. They can help you to schedule and travel to your eye doctor for a check up. You can find a professional caregiver through our website whether you need someone full-time, or for just a few hours a week. Right at Home will work with you to select the perfect, qualified, professional caregiver to make sure that your loved one’s needs are met. Each caregiver is screened and bonded to ensure professionalism. Our unique five-step process will provide just the right fit for your family. Contact us today at 631.352.0022 and ask for a FREE in-home consultation.
