What is it?
Age-related macular degeneration or AMD, is a deterioration or breakdown of the eye's macula. The macula is a small area of the retina (the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye). The macula is where incoming rays of light are focused, and it is responsible for the central visual acuity. It helps you see things directly in front of you and is used for close, detailed activities such as reading and writing.
What causes AMD?
The exact cause of macular degeneration is not known, but research indicates it may be related to a combination of heredity and environmental factors, including smoking and diet. The condition progresses as the eye ages.
What are the symptoms of AMD and how is it detected?
The patient may notice declining vision or distortion of straight lines. A dark blurry area or "white out" may appear in the center of vision. If you are presenting with any of these symptoms, your health care provider may order some photographs of your eyes to help determine if you have AMD.
Here's what an Amsler grid normally looks like.
This is how an Amsler grid might look to someone with neovascular AMD (macular degeneration)
What are the risk factors?
Age 65 +
Family history and genetics
Smoking
Obesity
Dry AMD
The most common form of AMD is "Dry" AMD. 90% of people who are diagnosed with AMD have the dry form. This occurs when small deposits called drusen start to accumulate beneath the macula. These deposits gradually damage the cells in the macula, causing distorted vision. It is important to monitor dry AMD as it can progress to the more severe "wet" form of AMD.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD occurs when tiny abnormal blood vessels begin to grow behind the retina and leak blood or fluid, damaging the macula. This causes rapid and severe vision loss and requires attention right away. Wet AMD almost always occurs in people who already have the dry form.
What are the treatment options?
Some patients with dry AMD benefit from daily vitamin supplements. It is recommended that people who are at risk for the disease eat a nutritious diet including plenty of green, leafy vegetables, excercise regularly and stop smoking. Wet AMD can sometimes be treated with intravitreal injections.