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Age-Related Macular Degeneration. What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?. AMD is an eye disease that causes loss of central vision but spares peripheral vision. It is the leading cause of blindness in adults over the age of 55 in North America.
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What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? • AMD is an eye disease that causes loss of central vision but spares peripheral vision. • It is the leading cause of blindness in adults over the age of 55 in North America.
AMD affects the macula, which is the central most part of the retina that is responsible for detailed, sharp vision • AMD affects the macula, which is the central most part of the retina that is responsible for detailed, sharp vision
What are the symptoms? • Initially, the most common symptom is slightly blurred vision when performing tasks that require seeing detail. • A blurred spot or sense that there isdirt in the way of clear vision may develop.
As AMD advances, straight lines may start to look wavy or distorted and dark spots may blank outportions of the central vision • As AMD advances, straight lines may start to look wavy or distorted and dark spots may blank outportions of the central vision
There are two types of AMD • Dry Wet
Dry AMD • Dry AMD is the milder form of the disease and is the most common type. • There is gradualdegeneration of the cells in the macula and accumulation of lipids and pigment in the retina. • Symptoms generally develop slowlyover time.
Wet AMD • About 10% of cases of Dry AMD advance to become Wet AMD. • Abnormal blood vessels develop under the macula. These weak blood vessels can leak fluid and bleed. • Wet AMD can develop quickly and cause severe vision loss.
What are the risk factors for AMD? • Age • Family history • Smoking • High blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, high cholesterol levels • UV exposure • Poor diet, low in antioxidants
How can AMD be prevented? • Although the exact mechanism by which AMD occurs is unknown, living a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk factors: • Quit smoking • Control blood pressure and cholesterol • Use UV protection • Eat a healthy diet
Antioxidants and Vitamins • Certain antioxidants and vitamins have been shown to slow down the progression of AMD but, unfortunately, will not reverse existing damage. • A diet high in beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A), vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and selenium may reduce the risk of AMD. Many of these are found in fruits and green leafy vegetables. A number of supplements are also available.
What are the treatments for AMD? • Currently, there is no treatment for dry AMD. • Many cases of wet AMD can be treated with laser or photodynamic therapy (PDT). • These treatments will not reverse any vision loss that has already occurred.
Early Detection • Regular eye health examinations by your optometrist are important to detect early stages of AMD. • Patients can then be counseled on appropriate preventative or treatment measures.
Monitoring AMD • Patients diagnosed with Dry AMD must be closely followed for signs of Wet AMD so that treatment can be promptly started. Patients are usually trained in the use of an Amsler Grid to monitor the progression of AMD
Coping with Vision Loss • Many patients with sight loss due to AMD can benefitfrom low vision aids. • Optometrists can prescribemagnifying devices to enhance both distanceand reading vision. • These aids will not restore sightto normal levels but they allow people to maximizethe amount of vision remaining.
