A Patient’s Guide to Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, is a primary cause of vision loss for Americans over the age of 50. The disease attacks the macula, which is the part of your eye’s retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. While it doesn’t cause complete blindness, losing your central vision can make it difficult to read, drive, or recognize the faces of loved ones.

This guide, based on information from the National Eye Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will walk you through what AMD is and what you can do about it.

The Two Types of AMD: Dry and Wet

It is essential to understand that AMD comes in two distinct forms.

Dry AMD (Atrophic)

The “dry” form is the most common type of AMD. It is a slow-moving condition where the light-sensitive cells in the macula gradually break down. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), a key sign of dry AMD is the presence of small yellow deposits called drusen. As the condition progresses over many years, central vision slowly becomes more blurry.

Wet AMD (Neovascular)

The “wet” form is less common but much more serious. It can cause faster and more severe vision loss. Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels start to grow underneath the retina. These new vessels are fragile and leak blood and fluid, which can scar the macula. This is a more urgent condition that requires prompt medical attention.

Symptoms: What to Look For

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you may not have any symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease gets worse, you might notice:

Blurry distance or reading vision.
Dark, blurry areas in the center of your vision.
Straight lines, like a doorframe, appearing wavy or crooked.

Risk Factors You Can Control

While age and family history are major risk factors, there are several you can manage:

Smoking: The CDC notes that smoking is a major risk factor. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your eye health.
Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a diet rich in leafy greens can help.
Blood Pressure: Managing your blood pressure is also important for your overall and eye health.

Diagnosis and Modern Treatment

An eye doctor can diagnose AMD with a comprehensive dilated eye exam. If they suspect wet AMD, they may use advanced imaging to look for leaking blood vessels.

While there is no cure for AMD, treatments can slow the disease and prevent severe vision loss.

For Dry AMD: The NEI’s landmark Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS/AREDS2) found that a specific formula of vitamins and minerals can slow down the disease for some people with intermediate to late-stage AMD.
For Wet AMD: The standard treatment is injections of anti-VEGF drugs into the eye. These drugs stop the abnormal blood vessels from growing and leaking, and can prevent further vision loss.

If you are over 50, regular eye exams are the best way to catch AMD early. If you notice any changes in your vision, see your eye doctor right away.