What Is Age-Related MacularDegeneration (AMD) and How Can It Affect Me?

A leading cause of vision loss, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a type of progressive eye condition that primarily affects older adults.

The risk of developing AMD increases as people get older. That’s why it is important to learn and understand the AMD condition, identify its symptoms, and risk factors, and be aware of the possible treatments. As AMD is progressive in nature, meaning it develops further gradually, learning more about AMD might help you prevent it in the future.

But first, what is AMD?

AMD affects the macula, the small eye area in the retina responsible for central vision. This part of our eyes is critical for doing daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. . While having AMD does not necessarily cause total blindness, it can significantly prevent us from having a good quality of life by lowering the ability to see fine details. It is important to know that there are two main types of AMD:  Dry AMD and Wet AMD.

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the most common form of AMD, accounting for roughly about 80 to 90% of the AMD cases. Dry AMD happens when the macula gets thinner with age and when small yellow deposits called drusen form beneath the retina. When yellow spots appear on color photographs of the retina (taken by your eye care professional), this indicates the early-stage development of dry macular degeneration.

Having dry AMD can lead to gradual vision loss, which may be hard to notice at first, but many people who experience dry AMD report a slow deterioration in central vision, making it hard to do tasks that require sharp vision. Dry AMD happens in 3 stages: early, intermediate, and late, and it usually progresses slowly over several years. Unfortunately, there’s no treatment for late dry AMD, but you can find ways to make the most of your remaining vision so that if you have late dry AMD in only 1 eye, you can still prevent it from happening to your other eye.

Wet AMD

Although wet AMD is less common, wet AMD is more severe and usually causes more rapid vision loss, making it more challenging to treat. Also known as advanced neovascular AMD, this happens when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, damaging the macula. Symptoms may include straight lines appearing wavy, a sudden decrease in central vision, and blind spots. 

Any stage of dry AMD can turn into wet AMD, but having wet AMD always means that it’s in its late stage, but the good news is that treatment options are available for wet AMD.

What are the symptoms of AMD?

Symptoms of AMD depend on the stage but as AMD is a progressive disease, its symptoms usually get worse over time.  

It has been known that early AMD often has no noticeable symptoms but as time goes by, those with AMD experience the following symptoms:

• Blurred or distorted central vision
• A blind spot in the central vision
• Difficulty seeing in low light
• Trouble recognizing faces and other fine details

Once you start experiencing these kinds of eye symptoms, it is important to consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam.

Are There Any Risk Factors in Getting AMD?

There are several factors to consider that can likely increase the risk of acquiring AMD:

1. Age
   Age is the most significant risk factor in developing an AMD and those over 50 being placed at a higher risk as the chances of getting AMD increase as people age.
   
2. Genetics
   AMD case in the family history is also a risk factor as genetics play a crucial role in the developing the disease.
   
3. Lifestyle Factors
   Lifestyle also affects the probability of getting AMD. Especially for the following:
   • Smoking: Compared to non-smokers, research shows that smokers are more likely to develop AMD.
   • Poor Diet: Having poor nutrition, especially diets that are low in antioxidants and high in saturated fats, may contribute to AMD risk.
   • Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of progression from dry to wet AMD.
     
4. Sun Exposure
   Love to sunbathe? Think again. Being exposed to ultraviolet light for an extended amount of time may increase the risk of developing AMD. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block UV light.
   
   
5. Other Health Conditions
   Other health conditions like having high cholesterol, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases may also increase the risk of getting AMD.

How to diagnose AMD?

AMD is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:

• Amsler Grid Test: Detects distortions in central vision using a simple test using grid lines.
• Dilated Eye Exam: The doctor may put eye drops in your eyes to widen the pupil, for the doctor to examine the retina for signs of AMD.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides detailed scans of the retina through a non-invasive imaging test. 
• Visual Acuity Test: Tests and measures how well you can see at different distances.

Options for Treating AMD

Treatment for AMD depends on the stage and type. There is currently no cure for early AMD, so your eye doctor will encourage you to keep track of your eye conditions through regular eye exams. However, for those with diagnosed AMD, several treatment options can help manage the different AMD conditions.

For Dry AMD:

Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for dry AMD. However, certain lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements may slow progression. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) suggests that antioxidant and/or zinc supplements may delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). If you have the intermediate AMD condition in 1 or both eyes, special dietary supplements may be able to stop it from turning into late AMD. If you have late AMD in only 1 eye, these supplements may slow down AMD in your other eye. Eating healthy, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking can also help.

For Wet AMD:

Wet AMD treatments are available such as the following:

• Anti-VEGF Injections: These medications are injected directly into the eye at regular intervals, and these prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels and are the most common treatment for wet AMD.
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): This treatment involves injecting a light-sensitive drug into the bloodstream, which is activated by a laser directed at the retina to destroy the abnormal blood vessels.

For Low Vision:

Low vision rehabilitation is available for those experiencing significant vision loss. Services for low vision rehabilitation provide tools and techniques to help adapt to changing vision. This includes using magnifiers, specialized lighting, and assistive device training.

How can I prevent AMD?

Several lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of getting AMD:

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Focusing on a diet rich in leafy greens, fish, nuts, and fruits. 
• Quit Smoking
• Exercise Regularly: Staying physically active helps not only maintain overall health but can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with AMD.
• Use Eye Protection: Wearing sunglasses with UV protection, especially when outdoors shield your eyes from harmful rays.
• Get Regular Eye Exams: Regular check-ups with your eye doctor can help monitor your eye health and catch AMD in its early stages.

Practicing regular eye care and making healthy lifestyle choices are important to fight AMD. It may be a significant health concern, especially for the aging populations, but understanding AMD, and its risk factors, and taking proactive steps can help prevent AMD. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms and changes in vision, book your eye appointment at Vision First Surgery as early detection makes a huge difference.