Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 15 million adults over the age of 50.


February is age-related macular degeneration awareness month – a month where eye doctors across the country try to educate people about this common eye condition and what they can do to try and reduce their risk of experiencing it.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Also known as AMD, age-related macular degeneration affects a part of the eye called the macula. The macula is an area of cells within the retina that is responsible for sharp, central vision and our ability to see colors. It primarily starts to develop after the age of 50 which is why it is known as an age-related condition.

There are two different types of AMD. They’re known as ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ to differentiate them from one another.

Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Dry AMD is the most common, occurring in around 90% of diagnosed cases. This type develops very slowly, usually over a period of months and years, and this means that it's often not until your vision is significantly compromised that you may realize that you are affected.

Sadly, there isn’t a cure for dry AMD and any vision that you’ve lost will be permanent. However, the good news is that it doesn’t cause total blindness. Instead, many patients experience what is known as low vision and require visual aids to help them function day to day. Some of the visual aids which you may be recommended to use could include magnifying lenses and prescription glasses. Many people with dry AMD find that using brighter lighting at home helps too. There are also some technology-based solutions that can make your day-to-day life easier, such as enlarged text options on screens, screen readers, and more. Your eye doctor will be happy to give you advice about the solutions which may be beneficial to you.

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Wet AMD gets its name from the differing characteristics that it has compared to dry AMD. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels start to grow into the macula, and these can leak blood and fluid that leads to scarring and compromised vision. Wet AMD only ever occurs following dry AMD and happens in around 10% of cases. The symptoms for wet AMD develop much more quickly, and urgent treatment is needed to prevent any further vision loss.

Treatment for wet AMD usually involves the use of injections into the eye to prevent the growth of more abnormal blood vessels. Meanwhile, phototherapy may also be recommended to destroy existing abnormal blood vessels which could continue to leak into the eyes.

What are the Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Regardless of what type of AMD you experience, the symptoms will be the same. They will just develop much more quickly in wet AMD. These symptoms include:
 

• Difficulty watching tv, reading or recognizing faces
   

• Straight lines appear crooked or wavy
   

• Blurred vision
   

• Sensitivity to light
   

• Colors appear faded

Can I Lower my Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

The good news is that making some simple lifestyle changes could improve your chances of avoiding macular degeneration. The same things that put you at risk of heart disease and stroke can also increase the likelihood that you will develop AMD. These include:
 

• Obesity
   

• High blood pressure
   

• High cholesterol
   

• Smoking

By choosing to live a healthy lifestyle and following a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of exercise, you could significantly reduce your risk of developing this eye disease.

For more information about age-related macular degeneration, visit Inclima Eye Care in West Haven, CT. Call (203) 694-0418 to schedule an appointment today.