What is AMD?

​

​AMD, or Age-Related Macular Degeneration is a chronic condition occurring in later decades that can result in a loss of central, or "straight-ahead," vision. The "camera film" inside the eye that receives focused light is called the retina, and the most central portion of the retina (where straight-ahead vision is focused) is called the macula. Macular degeneration only affects this very central portion of the retina: the rest of the retina (where side vision is focused) is rarely affected in macular degeneration. As a result, you may struggle to see details. However, you can still see where you are in a room, and can still see people and objects.

​

Some symptoms of macular degeneration include: 

1) Loss of clarity or detail

​

2) Loss of color vision

​

3) Dark or empty areas in the center of vision

​

4) Distortion causing straight lines to appear wavy

​

Two Basic Types of Macular Degeneration:

There are two basic types of AMD: "dry" and "wet".

 

With dry macular degeneration, 

the central retina gradually deteriorates and slowly loses function. However, no damage to the blood vessel system occurs. Currently, there is no proven cure for this slowly progressive condition. 

​

Wet macular degeneration, by contrast, is less common but more severe: It occurs when blood vessels under the macula begin to leak, resulting in either fluid that causes swelling or blood that causes hemorrhaging. The leakage can be reduced, or sometimes even stopped, using either laser treatments or injected medications. However, the ability to preserve vision depends on how soon the leakage is found and exactly where the leakage is occurring.

​

Unfortunately, there is no way to restore central vision once it has been lost to macular degeneration, but research is continually being conducted to find other treatments for macular degeneration. Wearing glasses with "UV protection" filters out the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays (without tinting the lenses - it works like sunscreen) and helps protect the eyes from macular degeneration. Research has firmly established Zinc, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin can help preserve the health of the retina, and eating dark, leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, and broccoli) is the most effective way to obtain these nutrients. In addition, your doctor may recommend starting a special formula of multiple vitamin supplements that has been proven to decrease the risk of wet macular degeneration. The most recently published study is called "AREDS 2" so the vitamin supplement you choose should be labeled "AREDS 2".

​

​