Macular Degeneration

What is macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common type of macular degeneration. It is an eye disease that can blur or damage your central vision. Central vision helps you see details straight ahead and do activities such as reading or driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the retina that allows you to see fine detail. It usually does not cause pain and may affect one or both eyes.

What are the two types of macular degeneration?

There are two types of AMD:

• Dry AMD is the most common type. It happens when the macula gets thinner with age. It usually causes vision loss slowly. Dry AMD can sometimes turn into wet AMD.
• Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula. These new blood vessels often leak blood and fluid. Wet AMD is less common, but it damages the macula quickly.

Who is more likely to get macular degeneration?

Your risk of AMD goes up as you get older, especially after age 55. You are also more likely to get AMD if you:

• Have a family history of AMD
• Smoke
• Are White
• Have high cholesterol
• Have high blood pressure

What causes macular degeneration?

The cause of AMD is unknown. It's believed to be a mix of aging, genes, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet.

What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?

AMD is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time. Dry AMD has three stages: early, intermediate, and late. Wet AMD is always considered late-stage AMD.

Early dry AMD often has no symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may start to notice:

• Blurry central vision
• Straight lines that look wavy or crooked
• A blank or dark spot in the center of your vision
• Colors that look less bright
• Trouble seeing in dim light

Wavy or crooked lines can be a sign of late AMD, either wet or dry. If you notice them, or any sudden change in your vision, see an eye care specialist right away.

How is macular degeneration diagnosed?

Regular comprehensive eye exams can find macular degeneration before you notice vision changes. During these exams, your eye care specialist uses eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupils. Then they check your eyes for signs of AMD and other eye problems. You may also have imaging tests that take pictures of your retina.

What are the treatments for macular degeneration?

Treatment depends on the type and stage of AMD:

• Dry AMD. Certain vitamins and minerals may help slow intermediate dry AMD from getting worse, but it does not restore lost vision.
• Wet AMD. Medicines injected into the eye are the most common treatment. Photodynamic therapy, which combines medicine with laser light, may sometimes be used with injections. Treatment may slow or stop further vision loss, and for some people, it might also improve vision.

Talk with your provider about vision rehabilitation. It can help you make the most of the vision you have and stay independent. Services may include assistive devices, such as magnifiers and screen readers, as well as special lighting and training to help with daily activities.

Can macular degeneration be prevented?

There are some things you can't change, such as your age or your genes, but you can take steps that may lower your risk:

• Quit smoking (or don't start)
• Get regular exercise
• Eat a healthy diet that includes leafy green vegetables and fish
• Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range
• Get regular eye exams
• Maintain a healthy weight

NIH: National Eye Institute