Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that affects a tiny area in the center of the retina known as the macula. The macula is made up of millions of light-sensing cells that produce the sharp central vision. AMD breaks down these cells gradually destroying central vision.

It is estimated that over 13 million Americans over the age of 40 show early signs of AMD, and it is the leading cause of legal blindness and vision impairment in the senior population. Smokers, people with light colored eyes, and individuals with a family history of AMD are more at risk for developing this condition.

AMD is detected during a comprehensive eye examination during which your eye doctor will examine the health of your retina. Once detected, your doctor may recommend additional testing. The most common test is called “Fluorescein Angiography”, also known as the Dye test. A special dye is injected into the vein and pictures are taken from the retina, in the back of the eye. This test is used to assess the type of the disease, monitor progression and determine treatment.

With AMD, the central vision decreases. The side vision is almost never affected. In other words, macular degeneration carries good news and bad news. The good news is that people diagnosed with this disease almost never go completely blind. The bad news is that when the central vision is severely affected, the driving vision and more importantly the reading vision become limited.

Macular degeneration occurs in two forms: dry and wet.

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Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Ninety percent (90%) of individuals diagnosed with AMD have the dry form. The light sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down affecting central vision over time. Dry AMD often occurs in just one eye at first, and slowly progresses with time to involve the second eye.

The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. Dry AMD develops very slowly over many years and most people are able to lead normal, active lives, especially if the disease affects only one eye. As the disease progresses, a blurred spot forms in the center of the vision, gradually becoming larger and darker reducing central vision.

Currently, there is no treatment for dry AMD. Recent studies have revealed that vitamins rich in anti-oxidants, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc and Lutein, decrease the incidence of dry AMD and can limit its progression. These vitamins can be safely taken in addition to the regular daily multivitamin therapy.

There are a number of common health risks that are closely linked with macular degeneration. These risks can be avoided by stopping smoking, controlling cholesterol and blood pressure, protecting the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays, and making sure that the diet is high in fruits and green, leafy vegetables.

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Although only ten percent (10%) of all people with AMD have this type, it accounts for 90 percent of all blindness. New blood vessels behind the retina begin to grow toward the macula. These vessels are very fragile and often leak blood and fluid under the macula rapidly causing the damage that leads to loss of central vision.

Straight lines that appear wavy are an early symptom of wet AMD, often followed by rapid loss of central vision. As in dry AMD, you may also notice a blind spot. A limited number of cases with wet AMD are eligible for laser treatment or for a new treatment modality called “photodynamic therapy”, a technology that uses special dyes attached to molecules which seal leaking blood vessels when activated by a low intensity laser. If the area of leakage is relatively small, this treatment can limit the damage and reduce the risk of vision loss; however, if the area of leakage is large, the treatment will not be very beneficial.

The eye doctors at the Shammas Eye Medical Center routinely check the retina looking for the slightest signs of Age-related Macular Degeneration. If it is suspected, a “fluorescein angiography” test will be ordered to evaluate the extent of the damage and establish a course of action. Our eye surgeons are highly experienced in laser treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

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