Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
One of the leading causes of blindness for people over 50.
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One of the leading causes of blindness for people over 50.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in adults over 50.
While many people are familiar with cataracts, AMD often flies under the radar despite being just as common with age. The key difference is that cataracts are highly treatable, while AMD is not. For patients diagnosed with AMD, the goal of treatment is to slow its progression, which is why early detection is so important.
If you’re concerned about macular degeneration, call D’Allura Eye Care or schedule your appointment online.
AMD is a disease of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The macula is a small area at the center of the retina responsible for your central vision.
AMD causes the macula to lose its ability to process light properly, resulting in gradual loss of central vision. Over time, this can make everyday activities like reading, working on a computer, or recognizing faces increasingly difficult.
AMD often shows no symptoms until vision changes become noticeable, which is why regular eye exams are essential once you reach age 50. The earlier AMD is detected, the better your chances of preserving your sight.
Age is the most significant risk factor for AMD, followed closely by family history. Additional risk factors include:
Regular eye exams are one of the best ways to monitor the health of your retinas and catch AMD early.
Certain nutritional supplements, often called “eye vitamins,” may help slow the progression of the disease. Overall health plays a major role as well. Quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol can all reduce your risk.
Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays and using blue light filters on digital devices can also help protect your eyes from long-term damage.
AMD progresses in stages and has two main forms: dry and wet. Dry AMD is the more common form, while wet AMD is less common but more severe and tends to progress more rapidly.
For patients with wet AMD, treatment may include prescription medications or laser therapy to slow vision loss. For dry AMD, treatment focuses on monitoring progression, nutritional support, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Dilated eye exams allow your eye doctor to examine the back of your eye for signs of AMD. Until recently, these exams were the primary diagnostic tool available. Today, advanced imaging technology allows for earlier detection than ever before.
At D’Allura Eye Care, we use several advanced diagnostic tools:
At D'Allura Eye Care, we want all our patients to enjoy the best possible vision at every age. To learn more about AMD screening in Wall or to schedule an eye exam, give us a call or book your appointment online.