Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye disease that can cause blurred vision or complete central vision loss. In fact, it is the leading cause of blindness in patients 60 or older. The macula is a portion of the retina that is responsible for detailed vision and central vision.
Macular degeneration has two forms, dry macular degeneration (dry AMD), and the more advanced wet macular degeneration (wet AMD). Most cases start as the dry type and in 10-20% of people, it progresses to wet. There is currently no cure for macular degeneration, but it can be possible to slow the progression in early stages and prevent severe vision loss. You can discuss with our doctors the best way to manage the disease. Symptoms are painless and usually begin gradually. They can include:
- Distorted vision, especially warping when looking at straight lines or objects
- Increased difficulty in reading
- Blurred central vision
- Reduced or complete loss of central vision in one or both eyes
- Decreased intensity or brightness of colors
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Slow vision loss
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Patients who are 60 or older are most likely to develop AMD. However, other risk factors can play a role. Smokers are twice as likely to develop AMD. Genetic and environmental factors also play a key role in who develops macular degeneration, as patients with a family history of AMD are more likely to develop the disease. Also, Caucasians are more likely to develop the disease than any other race.
Although there is no cure for AMD, you can alter your lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing the disease. This includes:
- Avoid smoking
- Exercise on a regular basis
- Maintain good blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Include leafy green vegetables and fish with omega-3 into your diet
- Take supplements with antioxidants and zinc, which may lower the odds of getting AMD
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block out ultraviolet (UV) rays
- See an eye doctor as soon as you experience signs of early AMD
While there is no cure, having your macular degeneration diagnosed and receiving treatment can help to slow down the progression. Your eye doctor may recommend a screening called an optical coherence tomography to diagnose this condition. Depending on whether you have a dry or wet form of macular degeneration, treatment options may include:
- Anti-angiogenesis Drugs: These medications stop the creation of blood vessels as well as the leakage of blood vessels in the eye that contribute to macular degeneration.
- Laser Surgery/Laser Therapy: These treatments involve the use of high-energy laser light to destroy abnormal blood vessels growing inside of the eye.
- Photodynamic Laser Therapy: During this treatment, a light-sensitive medication will be injected into the bloodstream, which is absorbed by abnormal blood vessels. A laser is then shone into the eye to trigger the light-sensitive medication, damaging those blood vessels.
- Low Vision Aids: These devices have special lenses or electronic systems that can enlarge images of objects that are nearby. They can help accommodate vision loss.
- Vitamins: Studies show that some individuals who take supplements including lutein, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, copper, and zinc lower their risk for vision loss and macular disease.
If you are interested in learning more regarding age-related macular degeneration or wish to schedule a routine eye exam to check for AMD, contact Kung Eye today! Our friendly and helpful team will be happy to assist you in scheduling your eye appointment with one of our skilled eye care professionals.
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Will any of these treatments restore vision I’ve already lost, or do they mainly slow further damage?
Most AMD treatments are designed to slow or stabilize further damage rather than restore vision that is already permanently lost. In wet AMD, timely injections or laser-based treatments can sometimes improve vision to a degree, but the main goal is preventing additional loss.
How quickly can AMD progress, and is there any way to predict how fast mine will change?
AMD progression varies widely; some people remain stable for years, while others notice changes over months. Risk factors such as age, smoking, genetics, and whether you have dry or wet AMD can help your doctor estimate how closely to monitor you, but exact speed is hard to predict.
How does having AMD affect my risk for other eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy or retinal detachment?
AMD itself does not directly cause conditions like diabetic retinopathy or retinal detachment, which have different underlying mechanisms. However, sharing risk factors such as age or vascular disease means your doctor will watch for multiple eye problems and may recommend regular comprehensive exams to catch other issues early.
What symptoms should I watch for that might mean my macular degeneration is getting worse?
Worsening AMD symptoms can include new or increasing blurry or fuzzy central vision, straight lines appearing wavy, dark or empty spots in the center of your vision, or sudden difficulty reading or recognizing faces. Any sudden change, especially distortion or a dark central spot, should prompt an urgent call to your eye doctor.
What lifestyle changes can help slow my AMD?
Helpful steps include not smoking, eating a diet rich in leafy greens and colorful fruits and vegetables, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, and exercising regularly. Your doctor may also recommend specific AREDS2 vitamin supplements if you have certain stages of AMD.
Are my family members at higher risk for AMD?
AMD has a genetic component, so close relatives (parents, siblings, children) do have a higher risk than the general population. They should tell their eye doctor about your diagnosis and have regular dilated eye exams as they age.
How likely is it that AMD will lead to complete blindness, or will I usually retain some peripheral vision even if the disease progresses?
AMD mainly affects the macula, which is responsible for central vision, so most people retain peripheral (side) vision even in advanced stages. While central vision loss can be severe and disabling, complete “blackout” blindness from AMD alone is uncommon.
What is photodynamic laser therapy, and how is it different from traditional laser treatment for AMD?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) combines a light-sensitive drug injected into a vein with a low-energy, targeted laser to selectively close abnormal blood vessels in wet AMD. Traditional thermal laser uses higher-energy light that can destroy both abnormal and some normal tissue, whereas PDT aims to minimize collateral damage to the retina.
