Reading the paper, recognizing a friend's face, threading a needle: all of these depend on your central vision. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that can slowly blur that sharp, straight-ahead vision.
AMD is common, and it often has no symptoms early on. This guide explains what AMD is, who is at risk, how to watch for changes at home and how it is treated, using information from the National Eye Institute (NEI) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
What is AMD?
AMD happens when aging damages the macula, the part of the retina that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision. The NEI says AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for older adults, and about 11 million people in the United States have it.
AMD doesn't cause complete blindness. Your side (peripheral) vision usually stays normal. The AAO gives a helpful example: looking at a clock, you might see the numbers but not the hands.
- Dry AMD. The most common type. About 8 out of 10 people with AMD have the dry form, according to the AAO. The macula gets thinner with age, and it usually progresses slowly over several years in three stages: early, intermediate and late.
- Wet AMD. Less common but more serious. Abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and can leak, damaging the macula. Wet AMD usually causes faster vision loss.
"Early AMD doesn't have any symptoms, so don't wait for your vision to change!"
NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE
Who is at risk?
Your risk for AMD goes up as you get older. The NEI says people age 55 and older are more likely to have AMD. Your risk is also higher if you:
- Have a family history of AMD
- Are white (Caucasian)
- Smoke
The AAO also lists high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, being overweight and a diet high in saturated fat as risk factors.
Symptoms to know
Early dry AMD doesn't cause symptoms. In the intermediate stage, some people notice mild blurriness in their central vision or trouble seeing in low light. In late AMD, the NEI says straight lines may start to look wavy or crooked, and a blurry area may appear near the center of your vision. Colors may also seem less bright.
Wavy lines? See your eye doctor right away
The NEI says straight lines that look wavy are a warning sign for late AMD. If you notice this, or a new blurry or blank spot in your central vision, call your eye doctor right away. (NEI)
How AMD is found and treated
Eye doctors check for AMD as part of a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Here is what to know about testing, treatment and protecting your vision.
1. A dilated eye exam
Drops widen your pupils so your doctor can look at the retina and macula. Your doctor may also ask you to look at an Amsler grid to spot blurry, wavy or blank areas.
2. Imaging tests
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) takes very detailed pictures of the retina. The AAO says some people also have fluorescein angiography, which uses a dye to show abnormal blood vessels.
3. Supplements for some people
The NEI says special vitamin and mineral supplements (the AREDS formula) may keep intermediate AMD from turning into late AMD. Ask your ophthalmologist if they are right for you, since not all forms of AMD benefit. (AAO)
4. Treatment for wet AMD
Medicines called anti-VEGF drugs, injected into the eye, may stop further vision loss. Laser treatment and photodynamic therapy are other options. The AAO also notes newer injected medicines for some late dry AMD.
5. Habits that help
The NEI says you may lower your risk, or slow vision loss, if you quit smoking, stay active, keep healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, and eat healthy foods including leafy greens and fish. (NEI)
Amsler grid checklist
- Keep the grid where you'll see it every day, like the fridge or bathroom mirror
- Use good light and hold it about 12 to 15 inches away
- Wear your reading glasses if you normally use them
- Cover one eye and look at the center dot
- Check for lines that look wavy, blurry or dim, then test the other eye
- Call your ophthalmologist right away if anything looks different (AAO)
Macular degeneration care in Southern Utah
Mountain Eye Institute provides treatment of macular degeneration in Cedar City, along with treatment of diabetic retinopathy, treatment of glaucoma and no-stitch cataract surgery.
Not sure when you last had your eyes checked? Read our guide to how often you should get an eye exam, or learn how sun safety and cataract care fit into healthy aging eyes.
Sources
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for advice from your eye doctor.
Noticed a change in your central vision?
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