Macular Degeneration
What It Is, Types of AMD, and Diagnosis
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a problem with the retina. More specifically it affects the part of the retina that does your central vision called the macula. With AMD you can lose your central vision, but it does not cause complete blindness because your peripheral (side) vision will still be normal. Macular degeneration is very common and is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 years or older.
Types of AMD
Dry AMD is the most common form. In this form you may develop drusen or tiny clumps of protein under the retina. The macula becomes thinner and you slowly lose central vision. We have no cure for this type and eye injections do not help. You may slow it down with AREDS2 eye vitamins, and by not smoking. Eye-healthy foods such as dark leafy greens, fish, and yellow fruits and vegetables have been shown to be beneficial.
Atrophic AMD is a subtype of the dry type. It occurs when the retina dies off in small areas that gradually enlarge to involve the central vision. There is a treatment (Izervay) for this type that involves eye injections. If you have this subtype, Dr. Gleason and Dr. Janky will discuss this with you.
Wet AMD is a less common, but more serious form as compared to the dry type. It usually occurs in patients that already have the dry type. New, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood—causing scarring of the macula. You lose vision faster with the wet AMD than the dry AMD. Wet AMD is treated with eye injections of medications called Anti-VEGF drugs.
If you have the dry type of AMD, you should be monitoring for the wet type by using an Amsler grid. If you notice distorted, blurry or blank spots on the grid, you need to call the office and let the receptionist know you have changes on your Amsler grid. This allows you to be seen right away and screened for leakage under your retina so you can begin treatments to prevent further vision loss.
How Is AMD Diagnosed?
AMD is diagnosed with regular dilated exams. You may have a scan (OCT) of the retina which gives the doctors very detailed images of the retina and macula.