Macular Degeneration

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Macular degeneration, commonly referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is the single largest cause of sight loss in the developed world and affects more than 10 million Americans. It usually affects people over the age of 60, but it has been known to affect those who are younger. It is a painless condition that usually affects both eyes, with the loss being experienced in the central vision. It does not affect the peripheral vision, meaning that it does not cause total blindness.
 

What is the macula?

The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina and is responsible for our central vision, which allows us to see fine details with clarity.
 

Varieties of AMD

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is one variety of the condition in which abnormal blood vessels grow into the macula, leaking blood or fluid, which then causes scarring and a rapid loss of central vision. Wet AMD can develop suddenly, and rapid referral to a specialist is essential, as it can be treated if caught quickly.
 

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the most common variety of age-related macular degeneration and is a gradual deterioration of the retina as the cells die off over time and are not regenerated. Up to 15% of people with dry AMD go on to develop wet AMD, and so any sudden changes in your vision should be followed up with your optometrist as soon as possible.

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Symptoms of macular degeneration

Macular degeneration affects each person differently, which means that it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, particularly as you may not notice any change in your vision early on in the condition. However, as the cells deteriorate, you will start to see an increasing range of symptoms, including:

• Distortion or bends in what should be straight lines (such as lampposts or door frames)

• Dark spots in your central vision

• Fading colors

• Difficulty adapting from dark to light environments

• Blurred vision

• Objects may appear to change shape, size, or color, or may move or disappear

• Bright lights may be difficult to tolerate

• Words may disappear while you are reading
   

Is there any way I can reduce my risk of developing AMD?

Unfortunately, there is no clear reason as to what triggers the process that causes macular degeneration. However, you are at an increased risk if you have a family history of the condition or if you are over 60. 

Experts suggest that the best thing you can do to minimize any potential risk is to ensure that you live a healthy, active lifestyle. You can do this by:

• Stopping smoking

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables

• Moderating your alcohol consumption

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Getting regular exercise

There is also some limited research that suggests that eating leafy, green vegetables can slow the deterioration of vision in cases of dry AMD.
 

Treatment for AMD

Sadly, there is no cure for either variety of AMD. For certain patients with dry AMD, photobiomodulation (PBM) is an FDA-authorized, noninvasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cells within the retina. Clinical studies have shown that PBM may improve certain measures of vision including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and color perception, and may help reduce the progression of dry AMD in appropriately selected patients. Treatment does not involve injections or surgery and has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in clinical studies. We are proud to offer photobiomodulation at Southlake Optometry Group to better protect and improve our patient's vision. 

Wet AMD is most commonly treated with medications called anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. These medications are injected into the eye by a retina specialist and work by reducing the growth and leakage of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina. Treatment can help prevent further vision loss and, for some patients, may even improve vision.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding macular degeneration, we highly recommend that you speak with your optometrist.