Most vision loss among older individuals is caused by macular degeneration. In fact, in 2010, the National Eye Institute (NEI) estimated that the number of people suffering from macular degeneration could increase from 2.07 million to 5.44 million by 2050.
So what is this threat to the vision of older patients, and what do you need to know about it?
What Is Macular Degeneration?
In most cases, macular degeneration, which is also called age-related macular degeneration or AMD, produces slow and completely painless vision loss over a period of years. This vision loss develops as the macula of the eye becomes damaged. As we discussed in our blog “Understanding the Different Parts of Your Eye,” the macula is located at the center of your retina.
A healthy macula enables you to see objects with greater detail. As the macula deteriorates, you could develop fuzziness or blind spots in the center of your field of vision.
Patients experience either non-neovascular or neovascular degeneration.
Non-Neovascular
Also called dry macular degeneration, the non-neovascular version of this condition is technically considered an early stage of the deterioration. Patients develop non-neovascular AMD due to thinning of the macular tissues, pigment deposits building up in the macula, or sometimes from a combination of both.
Non-neovascular AMD may progress to neovascular AMD, but rarely does. However, some patients do develop geographic atrophy, or GA, that damages retinal cells and causes sudden vision loss.
Neovascular
Neovascular AMD only occurs in approximately 10% of all cases. When the condition develops to this point, the body attempts to replenish the nutrients in the eye by creating a new network of blood vessels, a process called choroidal neovascularization or CNV.
Instead of revitalizing the eye, CNV creates new blood vessels under the retina that leak blood and other fluids. This leakage can kill retinal cells and is the reason why neovascular AMD is also known as wet macular degeneration.
Who Is at Risk for Macular Degeneration?
Because AMD develops for a number of reasons, people in many demographics are at risk for the condition. However, AMD is more likely if you fall into these categories:
- You are 55 or older.
- You are Caucasian.
- You are or have been a smoker.
- You have a family history of AMD.
- You have abnormal blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
If you fit more than one of these categories, talk to your eye doctor about making tests for AMD part of our routine eye exams.
You can reduce the risk of AMD somewhat by eating a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise. If you have a family history of AMD, wear high-quality sunglasses when outside to protect the tissues of your eye and delay the potential onset of AMD.
What Are the Signs of Macular Degeneration?
The earliest stages of AMD often come with no symptoms. Some patients do not experience any effect on their vision until the condition has progressed to the intermediate stage.
You should talk to an optometrist about AMD if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Spots, which may be dark or light, appear in your center vision.
- Straight lines begin to appear warped or wavy.
- You experience changes in the sharpness of your center vision.
When you seek medical help for these symptoms, your eye doctor will administer several eye tests. In most cases, you will undergo a vision acuity test and a dilated eye exam. The appointment may also include an Amsler grid test. During this test, you will look at a specialized line grid and report any distortions to your eye doctor.
How Do Eye Doctors Address Macular Degeneration?
Because early AMD has so few symptoms, there are currently no clinical treatments for this stage other than preventative eye exams.
In the intermediate stages, treatment for your AMD may include dietary supplements and prescription medications. This regimen will likely include vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, and beta-carotene. Your eye doctor may also recommend omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, or zeaxanthin.
If you have advanced neovascular AMD, you may need to work with an ophthalmologist on a daily or weekly basis to record any new changes to your vision. To slow any vision loss, your eye health care provider may employ a series of therapies, including local injections, laser surgery, or photodynamic treatments.
There is currently no cure for either variety of AMD. Once vision has been lost to AMD, it cannot be restored. However, the methods listed above can reduce and, in some cases, even stop further vision loss.
If you are at risk for macular degeneration or have experienced symptoms related to macular degeneration, schedule an appointment with an optometrist at the All About Eyes location nearest you.
Our expert eye doctors can diagnose and evaluate the severity of existing macular degeneration, as well as make recommendations to reduce the risk of debilitating macular degeneration in your future.