Learn about AMD
What is Age-related Macular Degeneration?
AMD refers to the formation of age-related changes in the retina in patients 50 years and older. The characteristic findings are the presence of deposits of cellular debris underneath the retina called drusen.
There is a wide spectrum of AMD, ranging from changes that never affect the quality of vision to severe vision loss resulting in legal blindness.
There are two main categories of AMD, dry and wet. It is common for both eyes to have different types, or stages of AMD. The treatment is tailored to the type of AMD the patient has in each eye, and overall (see below).
Early Dry AMD
Characterized by a few small drusen. There are no visual symptoms at this stage. The main focus of treatment is addressing risk factors for the progression to more severe forms AMD. More on this below.
Intermediate Dry AMD
Characterized by intermediate to large sized drusen. There are typically not symptoms at this stage, unless the drusen are located directly underneath the part of the retina responsible for central vision. The main focus of treatment is addressing risk factors, nutritional supplementation, and monitoring for signs of wet macular degeneration. We will teach you to optimize each of these factors in the next section.
Advanced Dry AMD
Characterized by the loss of cells in and around the part of the retina which is responsible for the central vision. Patients will typically notice an area just next to their central vision in which they can't see (black or blurry). In some patients, this may progress to involve the central vision, leading to severe central vision loss. Patients do not lose their peripheral vision from this condition. The main focus of treatment is risk factor modification, nutritional supplementation, and monitoring for signs of wet macular degeneration.
Wet AMD
Characterized by the formation of new blood vessels that leak and/or bleed. Patients notice new onset distortion in the central vision or loss of vision (see example below). Wet macular degeneration is treated with intravitreal injections. It is important that the other eye is monitored for signs of wet macular degeneration as well. The main focus of treatment is risk factor modification, nutritional supplementation, and monitoring for signs of wet macular degeneration in the other eye.
