Symptoms
Symptoms of AMD can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:
Blurred vision
Difficulty recognizing faces
A blurry or blind spot in the center of your vision
Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted
Reduced central vision in one or both eyes
Needing more light for reading or other close-up work
Difficulty adapting to low light levels
Causes
The exact cause of AMD isn't fully understood, but it's associated with aging. Risk factors include:
Age: The risk of AMD increases with age.
Family history and genetics: Having a family history of AMD increases your risk. Specific genes have been linked to the disease.
Race: AMD is more common in Caucasians than in African Americans or Hispanics.
Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of AMD.
Obesity: Research suggests a link between obesity and the risk of developing AMD.
Cardiovascular disease: Conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels may increase the risk of AMD.
Medicine Used
Treatment for AMD depends on the type:
Dry AMD: There is no cure for dry AMD. Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease. AREDS and AREDS2 supplements (high doses of vitamins and minerals) can help reduce the risk of advanced AMD.
Wet AMD: Treatments for wet AMD aim to stop the growth of new blood vessels. Common treatments include:
Anti-VEGF injections: Medications like ranibizumab (Lucentis), aflibercept (Eylea), and brolucizumab (Beovu) are injected into the eye to block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes blood vessel growth.
Laser photocoagulation: This procedure uses a laser to destroy abnormal blood vessels.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT): A drug called verteporfin is injected into the bloodstream, and then a laser is used to activate the drug and destroy the abnormal blood vessels.
Is Communicable
AMD is not communicable. It is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
While there's no guaranteed way to prevent AMD, you can take steps to reduce your risk or slow its progression:
Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for AMD.
Eat a healthy diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to increased AMD risk.
Control blood pressure and cholesterol: Manage conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels.
Protect your eyes from sunlight: Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
Get regular eye exams: Regular eye exams can help detect AMD early.
Consider AREDS supplements: If you have intermediate AMD, talk to your doctor about taking AREDS or AREDS2 supplements.
How long does an outbreak last?
AMD is not an "outbreak" type of disease like an infection. It's a chronic condition that develops over time. Dry AMD progresses slowly, often over years. Wet AMD can progress much faster, sometimes in weeks or months, if left untreated.
How is it diagnosed?
AMD is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include:
Visual acuity test: Measures how well you see at various distances.
Dilated eye exam: Eye drops are used to widen your pupils, allowing the doctor to examine the retina and macula.
Amsler grid: A grid of straight lines used to detect distortion in your vision.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT): An imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina.
Fluorescein angiography: A dye is injected into your arm, and then photos are taken of your retina to identify leaking blood vessels.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of AMD symptoms varies greatly.
Early AMD: May have no symptoms or very mild blurred vision.
Intermediate AMD: May notice more noticeable blurred vision or difficulty seeing in low light.
Advanced Dry AMD (Geographic Atrophy): Increasing blurred vision, blind spots, and difficulty reading.
Wet AMD: Rapid onset of distorted vision, blind spots, and significant vision loss if untreated. The rate of progression is faster than in dry AMD.
Important Considerations
Early detection is key: Regular eye exams are crucial, especially if you have risk factors for AMD.
Vision rehabilitation: Low-vision aids and vision rehabilitation services can help people with AMD maximize their remaining vision.
Emotional support: Vision loss can be emotionally challenging. Support groups and counseling can be helpful.
Monitor your vision: Use an Amsler grid at home to monitor for changes in your vision. Report any changes to your eye doctor promptly.
Follow your doctor's recommendations: Adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your eye doctor, including taking medications and attending follow-up appointments.