Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a problem with your retina. It happens when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged. With AMD you lose your central vision.
With AMD, you cannot see fine details whether you are looking at something close or far, but your peripheral (side) vision will still be normal.
Many people don’t realize they have AMD until their vision is very blurry. This is why it is important to have regular visits to an Ophthalmologist. He or she can look for early signs of AMD before you have any vision problems.
Risk Factors
- Age
- Family History
- Smoking
- Caucasian Race (particularly with light colored eyes)
- Obesity
- Heart Disease and High Cholesterol
There are two types of AMD
This form is quite common. About 80% (8 out of 10) of people who have AMD have the dry form. Dry AMD is when parts of the macula get thinner with age and tiny clumps of protein called Drusen grow. You slowly lose central vision. There is no way to treat dry AMD yet. Vitamins (AREDS 2 Formula Vitamins) have been shown to reduce the risk of vision loss from AMD.
This form is less common but often more serious. Wet AMD is when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. These vessels may leak blood or other fluids, causing scarring of the macula. You lose vision faster with wet AMD than with dry AMD.
Wet AMD can be treated with Medications injected into the eye to halt and reverse the growth of these new blood vessels. The goal of treatment is to minimize the scarring and vision loss that can occur with Wet AMD.
