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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:

  • 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.

  • AMD can result in severe loss of central vision, but people rarely go blind from it.

  • 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:

  • Dry: This type is the most common and makes up approximately 80% of those with AMD. 

  • Wet: Although this type is less common, it usually leads to more severe vision loss in patients than dry AMD.

 

Risk Factors

  • Being 50 and older

  • Eating a diet high in saturated fat or having high cholesterol

  • Smoking

  • High blood pressure or hypertension

  • Heart disease

  • Family history of AMD

 

Symptoms

  • Blurry or fuzzy vision

  • Difficulty recognizing familiar faces

  • Straight lines appear wavy

  • A dark, empty area or blind spot appears in the center of the vision

  • 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:

  • Pupil dilation

  • Fluorescein angiography

  • 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:

  • Age, overall health, and medical history

  • Extent and nature of the disease

  • Tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or low-vision therapies

  • Expectations for the course of the disease

  • 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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