Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of severe loss of eyesight among people 50 and older. AMD is an issue with the retina. It happens when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged.
Highlights:
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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects central vision and the ability to see fine details. In advanced stages, people lose their ability to drive, see faces, and read smaller print.
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AMD can result in severe loss of central vision, but people rarely go blind from it.
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Although there is no cure for AMD, there are treatment options that may prevent or slow the progression of the disease.
Types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Causes
The two primary types of age-related macular degeneration have different causes:
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Dry: This type is the most common and makes up approximately 80% of those with AMD.
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Wet: Although this type is less common, it usually leads to more severe vision loss in patients than dry AMD.
Risk Factors
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Being 50 and older
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Eating a diet high in saturated fat or having high cholesterol
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Smoking
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High blood pressure or hypertension
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Heart disease
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Family history of AMD
Symptoms
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Blurry or fuzzy vision
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Difficulty recognizing familiar faces
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Straight lines appear wavy
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A dark, empty area or blind spot appears in the center of the vision
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Loss of central vision, which is necessary for driving, reading, recognizing faces, and performing close-up work
Diagnosis
In addition to a complete medical history and eye exam, an eye doctor may do the following tests to diagnose age-related macular degeneration:
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Pupil dilation
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Fluorescein angiography
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Amsler grid or visual acuity test image. To someone with AMD, the Amsler grid may look like the below:
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Treatment Options:
Although there is no cure for dry age-related macular degeneration, specific treatment will be determined by the doctor based on the following:
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Age, overall health, and medical history
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Extent and nature of the disease
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Tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or low-vision therapies
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Expectations for the course of the disease
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Dry-type might benefit from taking daily vitamins and supplements of (Vitamin C and E, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Zinc, and Copper)
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Mental Health Impacts
Both depression and anxiety are common in older adults, but even more so in those with vision impairment; the prevalence is approximately twice that of those with no vision problems. Learn more about identifying and managing depression here and anxiety here.
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Making the Most of the Vision You Have
With a diagnosis of AMD, one can learn how to make the most of their vision. Daily activities and other leisure pursuits can be completed with special low-vision tools, such as magnifying devices, handheld computers, electronic items, and more. Also, individuals can learn how to use side vision to help do things and a vision rehabilitation specialist can assist with this.
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