AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD)
AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a problem where a part of the retina called the macula is damaged due to ageing. This condition requires a medical diagnosis by a retina specialist.
AMD is very common and is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 years or older.
With AMD there is a loss of central vision, fine details, and near vision, with sparing of peripheral (side) vision.
Two Types of AMD
- Dry 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. There is a slow loss of central vision. There is no way to treat dry AMD yet but consultation with a retina specialist may help you slow down the progression of the problem.
DRY AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (DRUSENS)
DRY AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY)
- Wet AMD
This form is less common but much more serious and requires more careful attention by the retina specialist. 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. There is faster central vision loss with wet AMD than with dry AMD.
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 a retina specialist, who can look for early signs of AMD before any vision loss happens.
WET AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment
Dry AMD Treatment
Right now, there is no way to treat the dry form of AMD. However, people with lots of drusen or serious vision loss might benefit from taking a certain combination of nutritional supplements.
Wet AMD Treatment
To help treat wet AMD, there are medications called anti-VEGF drugs. Anti-VEGF treatment by a retina specialist helps reduce the number of abnormal blood vessels in the retina and slows any leaking from blood vessels.