Plus Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Wet and Dry AMD
Age-related macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of severe loss of eyesight in those 50 and older. Because it is severe, it can be very scary, especially since those with advanced stages lose the ability to drive, see faces, and read smaller print. In this article, we will take a look at everything you need to know about age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
What are the Early Signs of AMD?
In its very early stages, age-related macular degeneration may have no noticeable signs or symptoms. Regular eye exams can help catch AMD in earlier stages. The presence of drusen, which are tiny yellow deposits in the retina, is one of the most common early signs of AMD and may mean the eye is at risk of developing more severe AMD. These deposits will be visible to your doctor during an eye exam.
Symptoms of AMD
While there are often no signs in the earlier stages, you will begin to experience symptoms in later stages. The following are the most common symptoms of AMD, however, it is important to remember that each individual may experience symptoms differently.
- Blurry or fuzzy vision
- Difficulty recognizing familiar faces
- Straight lines appear wavy
- A dark empty area or blind spot appears in the center of vision
- Loss of central vision, which is necessary for driving, reading, recognizing faces, and performing close-up work
While AMD can cause severe vision loss, it’s important to remember that it rarely causes blindness. However, it can make it difficult to read and to perform daily activities. In AMD, peripheral vision is unaffected, so patients can rest assured that their side vision and the ability to walk around without bumping into things is usually preserved.
Types of AMD
There are two primary types of age-related macular degeneration, which have different causes.
Dry AMD is the most common type. Its exact cause is unknown, though both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. It happens when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, generally one eye at a time. The loss of vision in this condition is slow and gradual.
Wet AMD is less common and usually leads to more severe vision loss. Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels start to grow beneath the retina. These blood vessels leak fluid and blood, creating a large blind spot in the center of the visual field.
Risk Factors for AMD
There are some risk factors that can contribute to developing AMD. People with any of these risk factors should ensure they receive regular eye exams to check for signs of age-related macular degeneration.
These risk factors include:
- Being 50 or older
- Eating a diet high in saturated fat
- Smoking
- High blood pressure or hypertension
How is AMD Diagnosed?
The symptoms of AMD can look like other eye conditions, so it’s important to speak with your eye care professional for a diagnosis. In addition to a complete medical history and eye exam, your doctor may perform some of the following tests.
- Visual Acuity Test: common eye chart test that measures vision ability at various distances
- Pupil Dilation: the pupil is widened with eyedrops to allow a close-up examination of the retina
- Fluorescein Angiography: a diagnostic test that involves a special dye injected into a vein in the arm, then pictures are taken as the dye passes through the blood vessels in the retina and can help your doctor determine if the blood vessels are leaking and if the leaking can be treated
- Amsler Grid: used to detect wet AMD; a checkerboard-like grid of straight lines you look at to see if lines appear wavy or missing
How is AMD Treated?
Treatment for age-related macular degeneration is based on a few factors, including your age, overall health, and medical history. Your doctor will also consider the extent and nature of the disease, as well as your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or low-vision therapies. And of course, your opinion and preference matter as well.
Currently, there is no treatment for Dry AMD, though vision rehabilitation programs and low-vision devices can be used to build visual skills, develop new ways to perform daily living activities, and adjust to living with AMD.
The main treatment for Wet AMD is the injection of medications called anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agents. A high level of VEGF in the eye is linked to the formation of abnormal blood vessels that cause much of the damage in Wet AMD.
In some patients, anti-VEGF injections actually improve the level of visual acuity. Although this procedure sounds daunting, it is done with a very fine needle and with numbing (anesthetic) eye drops, so patients are usually very comfortable during the procedure. Anti-VEGF treatment is usually administered regularly over time, requiring multiple injections to maintain the treatment effect.
In selected patients, other treatments, such as laser therapy, can be used if necessary.
Key Takeaways
Age related macular degeneration affects central vision and rarely leads to complete blindness. Those with risk factors should receive annual eye exams to catch AMD before symptoms appear. While there is no cure for AMD, treatment options can prevent or slow the progression of the disease. The bottom line is don’t skip your annual eye exam!
Want to schedule an appointment? Black Diamond Eye Care is your experienced eye doctor in the Castle Rock area. We offer comprehensive eye exams and family vision care. Use our online schedule to book an appointment!
