Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common eye diseases, affecting up to 20 million people in the United States. Although it can’t be cured, early detection can slow AMD progression and preserve your vision.
At Wide Eye Optometry in Encino, Santa Clarita, and Palmdale, California, Mary Demirjian, OD, and our expert team specialize in AMD diagnosis and treatment. We also educate patients on steps they can take to reduce their risk of vision loss and keep their eyes healthy.
In recognition of AMD Awareness Month this February, here’s what you need to know about this frequent cause of vision loss among aging adults — and how you can protect your eyesight.
AMD is a chronic eye disease that causes the macula — a small round spot at the back of the eye that sends images from your optic nerve to your brain — to deteriorate. This results in slow but progressive vision loss that impairs your ability to see fine details.
AMD usually affects people 50 and older. Sometimes, it’s inherited; other times, it’s caused by an underlying medical condition like high blood pressure. Regardless, early detection is key to effective treatment. If you’re concerned about AMD, visit an eye doctor immediately.
There are two types of AMD, including:
This is the most common form of AMD, affecting up to 90% of patients. It occurs when protein deposits called drusen form underneath the macula, causing it to become dry and thin. Over time, these macular changes affect your central vision.
This form of AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop beneath your retina and macula (structures at the back of the eye). These blood vessels leak and cause pressure to build up, pushing your macula outward. The abnormal bulge damages your eyesight and causes a black spot in your central vision.
AMD symptoms vary from person to person. Since the disease develops slowly, many people don’t notice any vision problems at first. As the condition worsens, warning signs may include:
Scheduling annual eye exams is one of the best ways to catch AMD early, when it’s more responsive to treatment.
Diagnosing AMD often involves several tests. Depending on your age and health history, we may recommend:
This test involves looking at a grid of straight lines with a large dot in the center. If certain areas appear severely broken or wavy, it could indicate macular degeneration.
Before this test, we administer special eyedrops that dilate (widen) your pupils. This lets us examine the structures at the back of your eye, including the macula and retina.
OCT is an imaging test that takes detailed pictures of the structures at the back of your eye. It’s quick and painless and lets us easily identify macular and retinal damage.
AMD can’t be cured, but several treatments exist to slow disease progression and prevent it from worsening. We may recommend:
We monitor your symptoms at regular checkups and adjust your treatment plan as needed to preserve your vision and prevent AMD from worsening.
If you’re concerned about your risk of AMD, we can offer expert guidance and develop a personalized treatment plan just for you. Since February is AMD Awareness Month, there’s no better time to act — call or click online to schedule an appointment at your nearest Wide Eye Optometry office in Encino, Santa Clarita, or Palmdale, California, today.