You’ve probably heard of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). But what is it, who’s at risk, and how does it affect your vision? February is National Age-Related Macular Degeneration Month and also Low Vision Awareness Month. Since AMD is a significant cause of Low Vision, let’s dive in.
Simply stated, AMD is a disease of the retina. It occurs when a critical part of the retina called the macula is damaged. It’s a common diagnosis in people over age 60 and the leading cause of severe vision loss in that age range – but only rarely does it lead to total blindness. Approximately 1 in 3 Americans over age 75 is affected by AMD. Although there is no cure, there are treatment options that may prevent or slow the progression of AMD and its associated vision loss.
AMD is a tricky disease because it affects your central vision but not your peripheral (side) vision. So, you can’t see straight ahead, but you can still see off to the side. For example, if you were looking at the face of a clock, you might be able to see the circle of numbers but might not be able to see the clock’s hands at its center. AMD is like having a dark hole in the very center of your vision.
The National Eye Institute shares a video, See What I See with AMD, to help you better understand AMD’s impact on central vision.
What are the Types of AMD?
There are two types of AMD, wet and dry:
- Dry AMD is the most common; 80% of patients are diagnosed with this type. In Dry AMD, the macula gets thinner with age, and tiny yellow deposits called drusen build up. The exact cause of Dry AMD is unknown, but both genetic and environmental factors contribute.
- Wet AMD is less common but more serious. It occurs when new, abnormal blood vessels grow in the body’s attempt to fix the deterioration of the macula. However, those new vessels leak blood and other fluids, causing swelling and scarring of the macula. The scarring then causes a blind spot in your central vision.
What are the Symptoms of AMD?
In the very early stages, there are often no noticeable symptoms. However, during your annual comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist is closely monitoring the structures of your eyes to detect early signs of AMD (and other eye diseases).
Though symptoms are often not noticeable early in AMD, which can start as young as age 55, the following symptoms merit a visit to your optometrist for further examination:
- Blurry or fuzzy vision
- Difficulty recognizing familiar faces
- Straight lines that appear wavy
- A dark or empty blind spot in the center of your visual field
With AMD, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are critical. Schedule your annual exam, and don’t hesitate to ask us about medications and lifestyle choices that can minimize disease progression. Your willingness to make healthy changes in your lifestyle can help preserve your central vision.
Who’s at Risk for AMD?
There is a genetic component to the disease, so if you’re related to someone who has been diagnosed with AMD, your risk increases. You’re also at higher risk if you:
- Are age 50 or older
- Eat a diet high in saturated fat
- Smoke
- Have high blood pressure
How Does AMD Impact Your Lifestyle?
The loss of central vision causes serious complications and interruptions in everyday life. This type of Low Vision can affect your ability to drive – particularly at night. AMD can make it difficult to read, see people’s faces, watch TV, prepare meals, and perform other daily activities that require detailed central vision. The slight silver lining with AMD is that peripheral vision remains unaffected, so patients don’t typically bump into furniture, walls or other obstructions when walking around their homes.
Adaptive Solutions for AMD
Here are some helpful solutions to everyday problems caused by AMD and its resulting Low Vision.
- AMD can affect low-light vision, so turn on more lights, particularly on or near stairs, due to altered depth perception.
- Use a portable, lighted magnifier to enlarge print.
- Tech adjustments can help: Use larger fonts on your phone and other digital devices.
- Practice balance exercises early, before mobility may become a challenge.
- Cooking with Low Vision due to AMD can be challenging and even dangerous without some adjustments. These changes can enhance safety in your kitchen:
- Use large print labels on drawers and cabinets.
- Avoid keeping cooking items above the stove.
- Keep a flexible-arm lamp on your countertop for focused lighting.
- Use bump dots to mark temperatures on stove and oven dials.
- Always place a pot or pan on the burner before turning that burner on.
AMD vision loss can lead to feelings of isolation, cognitive decline, loss of identity, and depression. It’s a very serious diagnosis. But there are treatments, services, and vision aids to help you navigate these debilitating symptoms. Discuss these with your optometrist and make a plan that is best for your needs and lifestyle. AMD is a very individual journey, so what works for one person doesn’t always work for another.
The American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) is a good resource to direct you to the latest information on tips for living with AMD that can improve the quality of life for AMD patients.
The single most important action you can take to preserve your sense of sight is to have a regular comprehensive eye exam. Call our office today and make your appointment – we look forward to seeing you soon!
