Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Detect and Control Symptoms

When left untreated, age-related macular degeneration can lead to blindness; thus, it is important to have regular eye exams with your ophthalmologist.

Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment in older people. AMD is a condition of the eye that carries the risk of blindness in advanced forms of the disease. AMD occurs when the macula, the central portion of the retina, gradually deteriorates. The retina is the membrane at the back of the eye that transmits signals to the brain through the optic nerve. The macula is an organ filled with thousands of cells that can sense light and is responsible for central vision. Macular degeneration can rob a person of their central vision. This loss can make daily tasks like reading, sewing, or driving difficult.

Two Forms of Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration can come in wet AMD and dry AMD. Dry macular degeneration is also known as Central Geographic Atrophy. It has a slower onset than wet AMD but can cause significant vision loss. Wet macular degeneration is also called neovascular/exudative AMD. It happens when blood vessels are abnormally grown beneath the center of the retina. These blood vessels can leak and injure blood and protein below the macula. In this case, vision loss is rapid.

Color Fundus photo of Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Geographic Atrophy

People with dry AMD can suffer from blurry or distorted vision and a slow loss of their central vision. They can also see letters that seem broken or missing when they read. People with wet AMD have these symptoms—shadows and missing areas of their visual field. They can also see curvy, wavy, or missing letters, lines, or objects. They can have trouble distinguishing different colors and don’t recover well after exposure to very bright lights.

AMD doesn’t cause any pain, and symptoms are subtle. Thus, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist or eye doctor if your vision is impaired.

Risk Factors

Age: Significant risk factor; becomes more common in people over 60.
Gender: Women are more likely to suffer from AMD compared to men.
Ethnicity: Caucasians are more prone to AMD than other races.
Smoking: Increases the risk of developing AMD.
Genetics: AMD appears to have a genetic basis, indicating a hereditary risk.

AMD Detection

An Amsler grid showing distortion and an example without distortion.

Abrams Eye Institute provides early detection of macular degeneration through a macular degeneration consultation or comprehensive eye exam.

Once your ophthalmologist detects and diagnoses your condition as age-related macular degeneration, treatment avenues will be suggested. Your ophthalmologist will monitor your vision and central vision field with an Amsler grid. Various drugs and procedures are used to delay the progression of vision loss, but until recently, no treatment was available to restore lost vision.

AMD Treatment Options

Your retinal specialist’s diagnosis of ‘wet AMD’ isn’t the end of the road. Recent advancements in medical treatments offer promising results in slowing down vision loss associated with this condition. Two notable medications, bevacizumab (Avastin) and ranibizumab belong to a class called anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs. These are administered through injections every 4 to 6 weeks to address leaking blood vessels under the retina. The success rate is impressive: over 90% of patients who continue the treatment experience a halt in vision deterioration, and 30-40% may even regain some lost vision. Sometimes, combination therapies involving photodynamic therapy (PDT or ‘cool laser’) and anti-inflammatory drugs are beneficial.

Furthermore, ongoing research is paving the way for even more effective treatments. Our surgical team has been actively studying new medications that are currently in development. These emerging treatments show potential for longer-lasting effects and enhanced efficacy in managing wet AMD, offering hope for improved outcomes.

FAQs about AMD

Does Medicare Cover macular degeneration monitoring and treatment?

Yes, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) may cover some tests and treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including some types of injections and specific doctors’ services.

Dr Abrams posing in his office wearing a suit and tie

If symptoms of retinal diseases are making you uncomfortable and interfering with your daily life, contact us. Our doctors have the expertise and tools to give you the relief you need.

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