About Macular Degeneration

Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by

• Macular Degeneration

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

• Age-Related Maculopathy

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. When the macula gets damaged, central vision becomes blurry or dark. This makes it hard to read, recognize faces, drive, or see fine details.

The two main types of Macular Degeneration

• Dry AMD: This is the most common form, accounting for about 80-90% of cases. In dry AMD, small yellow deposits called drusen form under the retina, causing the macula to thin and dry out. This type usually progresses slowly over several years.

• Wet AMD: This is less common but more severe. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid and severe vision loss. This type can develop suddenly and progress quickly.

What are common symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

• Blurry or fuzzy vision

• Difficulty seeing colors clearly

• A dark or empty area in the center of vision

• Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted

• Difficulty seeing details in low light conditions

• Trouble recognizing faces

What causes Macular Degeneration?

Doctors aren’t sure what exactly causes this disease, but some things make it more likely to happen:

• Getting older (most people with AMD are over 50)

• Having family members with AMD

• Smoking cigarettes

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Being overweight

• High cholesterol (too much fat in your blood)

• Too much sunlight over time

• Light-colored eyes (less protection from UV light)

How is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?

Eye doctors can find AMD with special tests during an eye exam:

• Eye exam: The doctor looks closely at your retina and macula.

• Amsler grid: You look at a chart with lines to see if they look wavy or blurry.

• OCT scan: Takes a detailed picture of the back of your eye.

• Fluorescein angiography: A dye is used to take photos of blood vessels and check for leaks.

How is Macular Degeneration Treated?

There isn’t a cure for AMD, but treatments can help slow it down.

Dry AMD:

• Eat healthy foods like green veggies, fruits, and fish.

• Take special eye vitamins (called AREDS2).

• Quit smoking and get regular exercise.

• Protect your eyes from bright sunlight.

Wet AMD:

• Doctors can give shots (injections) in the eye called anti-VEGF.

• Sometimes laser treatment is used to stop leaking blood vessels.

People with AMD can also use special tools and training to help them see better and stay independent. This might include magnifiers, brighter lighting, or vision therapy.

Trend

• About 11 million people in the U.S. have AMD.

• By 2050, that number could grow to 22 million because people are living longer.

• By 2030, around 3.5 million Americans may have advanced AMD.

History

Macular degeneration has been around for a very long time. A British doctor named Jonathan Hutchinson first described it in 1874. In the 1960s, a new test called fluorescein angiography helped doctors see differences between wet and dry AMD. In the early 2000s, new medicines (anti-VEGF shots) were discovered that helped save the sight of many people with wet AMD. Scientists today are studying genes and testing new treatments to prevent or slow the disease.

Macular Degeneration - Sources of Information

• American Academy of Ophthalmology

• Bright Focus Foundation

• Cleveland Clinic

• Mayo Clinic

• National Eye Institute

For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.