Age-Related Macular Degeneration
A condition affecting the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision -- the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50.
Book a Macular Health EvaluationOver 50, with no recent retina check?
Macular degeneration often starts with no symptoms. A dilated retina exam and OCT imaging can detect early changes well before they affect your day-to-day vision.
Noticing distorted or blurred central vision?
Straight lines appearing wavy, or difficulty recognizing faces and reading, can be early signs of macular degeneration. The form and stage determine treatment -- which is why prompt evaluation matters.
What Is It?
Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula, the small central portion of the retina responsible for the sharp, detailed vision we use for reading, recognizing faces, and driving. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50 in most parts of the world.
The disease has two forms — dry AMD, which progresses gradually, and wet AMD, which can progress rapidly and requires prompt treatment to preserve vision. Because early dry AMD often has no symptoms, regular dilated screening after age 50 remains the most effective way to catch changes early, regardless of how your vision currently feels.
Risk Factors
- Age over 50, with risk increasing with age
- Family history of macular degeneration
- Smoking
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- Prolonged unprotected UV exposure
Symptoms
- Blurred or reduced central vision
- Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- A blank or dark spot in central vision
- Need for brighter light when reading
Treatment
- Regular Monitoring: For early (dry) AMD, with scheduled follow-up and lifestyle guidance to slow progression.
- Anti-VEGF Injections: The primary treatment for wet AMD -- controls abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage to preserve vision.
- Nutritional Guidance: Specific vitamin and mineral supplementation has been shown to slow progression in certain stages of dry AMD.
- Lifestyle Modification: Smoking cessation and UV protection meaningfully reduce the risk of progression.
When to seek urgent evaluation
Wet AMD can progress quickly, and prompt treatment makes a real difference to the vision that can be preserved.
- Sudden worsening of central vision
- New or rapidly worsening distortion of straight lines
- A new dark or blank spot appearing in your central vision
Related Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration?
Can macular degeneration cause complete blindness?
How often should I get a retina screening if I have diabetes?
Book a Macular Health Evaluation
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