Age-related
Macular Degeneration (AMD) is damage to the central part of
the
retina called the macula.
The
retina is the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. If the
macula is damaged, you can no longer see fine detail in the center of
your vision, so it makes very difficult to read, drive, or see straight
ahead. Usually your side (peripheral) vision is not affected.
AMD
is a common problem for many people as they get older. It usually
affects both eyes, but one eye may be affected before the other.
There are two forms of AMD: wet
and dry.
The wet form occurs when new, fragile blood vessels grow beneath the
retina and leak blood and fluid. The leaks can rapidly damage the
macula. In the dry form, the light-sensitive cells in the macula
gradually break down. In both cases, a blind spot forms in or near the
center of vision. The dry form is more common and causes a slower and
often less severe loss of vision.
The cause of these changes is not known, but smoking, family history of
AMD may play a role.
AMD does not cause pain. The first signs of the condition are usually
problems with your vision. Symptoms may include: blurred vision, wavy
appearance to straight lines, a dark patch in the middle of words as
you read, a worsening of your color vision.
The risk of vision loss from dry AMD can sometimes be decreased with a
vitamin and mineral supplement. Also, UV 400 protection by wearing
sunglasses is very important.
To prevent AMD it is recommended not smoking, a heart-healthy diet,
exercise and weight control.
There are different types of treatment depending on the stage and
location of the damage: intraocular injection with anti vascular
endothelial growth factor ( Macugen and Lucentis), laser, photodynamic
therapy.
If you have either form of AMD, low vision aids may help you with your
daily activities. Low vision aids include such things as: magnifying
glasses and telescopes, closed-circuit TV , clocks and phones with
large numbers and reading material printed in large type.
To take care of yourself, never ignore blurred vision, lines that
appear wavy, blind spots, or loss of color vision, and have a complete
eye exam every one or two years.
If you have diabetes or a family history of eye disease, have your eyes
checked at least once a year.
Call today our
office and schedule an appointment for a comprehensive vision and
ocular health
assessment.
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