What is Age-related macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is progressive damage to the eye’s macula with the growing age. The macula is the central part of the retina, responsible for sharp, straight, and fine-detailed vision. Destruction of the macula causes permanent and irreversible loss of central vision. The macula receives high-detailed images and transmits them to the brain via the optic nerve. AMD makes it difficult to recognise people, read, and drive.
Prevalence of AMD
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide. It has affected 7-8% of the world’s population. According to studies, the number of people with this disease was 196 million in 2020 and can affect 288 million in 2040.
Types of AMD
Dry AMD is the most common form and progresses slowly as the light-sensitive cells (cones) break down, accounting for 80-90% of cases.
Wet AMD is a more aggressive form. 10-20 % of dry AMD develop a more advanced form of the disease, which causes abnormal vascularisation in the retina. It progresses rapidly and can cause significant vision loss.
Symptoms of AMD
There are no noticeable early symptoms of this condition. As the disease progresses, the affected person may notice:
- One of the earlier signs is that straight lines appear distorted.
- Blind spot in the central area of your vision
- Colours may appear faded.
- Difficulty performing daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognising faces.
Risk factors
Everyone can develop AMD, but your risk of getting affected is higher if you have one of the following:
- AMD is most common among people over 50
- Family history of AMD
- Smoking
- Being overweight or obese.
- High blood pressure
- Prolonged UV radiation exposure
Diagnosis
A comprehensive eye examination can help detect the disease at its early stages. Your examiner can perform specific tests and fundoscopic examinations. If you have any of the above-discussed risk factors, visiting your ophthalmologist and checking your eyes annually is essential.
Treatment
No treatment is available for this disease; however, your ophthalmologist may consider slowing its progress.
Practical steps to reduce the risk of AMD
You can take some measures to avoid or delay the disease. Here are some of the valuable tips:
Eye care
- Consider wearing blue light-blocking glasses or contact lenses while working on digital devices.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: after every 20 minutes of working, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Lower the brightness according to the surroundings.
- Comprehensive eye exams can help detect AMD early.
Lifestyle changes
- Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Regular exercise
- Stop smoking
LumiLab guides, webpages, and articles discussing optometry and ophthalmology are intended only for educational and informative purposes and do not serve as medical or professional advice.
The information presented, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician, optician, or other health care professional if you have questions about your eye health or vision.
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