Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

How will my optometrist diagnose AMD?

The most essential component of any comprehensive exam, particularly for seniors, is the ocular health assessment. A dilated retinal exam, using drops to enlarge the pupil, provides your optometrist with an excellent view of the macula, where signs of AMD may be evident before any symptoms develop. Digital photographs and high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans may be recommended, and an Amsler grid may be used to map any distortion, and for home monitoring of AMD.

What are the symptoms of AMD?

AMD is characterized by central distortion or blurring of the vision that can progress to a “blind spot” should there be bleeding or scarring. However, if AMD involves one eye more than the other, there may be no symptoms at all. As with many disease processes, early detection is critical, making routine examinations very important, particularly for seniors.

What can be done if I have AMD?

90% of AMD is the “dry” form, involving no swelling or bleeding – the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) showed that anti-oxidant supplements can slow the progression of AMD: be sure to ask your optometrist if you are a candidate for this treatment.

The other 10% of AMD is “wet”, involving new blood vessel growth and bleeding. Contemporary treatment involves the use of medications to stop blood vessel growth, and offers the potential to actually regain vision that has already been lost.

As always, the best results are obtained with early diagnosis, making regular comprehensive exams critical for anyone at risk.

What is age-related macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a degenerative process that affects the area of the retina (the light sensitive tissue lining the inside of the eye) responsible for central vision (the macula). It is more common as we age, and in certain demographic groups: in fact, as many as 15% of Caucasian women over the age of 80 have some degree of AMD. While we can’t control our age, we can modify our behavior – for example, smoking can increase the risk of AMD by a factor of 6, and it’s never too late to quit.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

How will my optometrist diagnose AMD?

What are the symptoms of AMD?

What can be done if I have AMD?

What is age-related macular degeneration?

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