Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is an eye condition that affects the central part of the retina, called the macula, that allows us to see fine details. It is a leading cause of vision loss among adults aged 50 and older. AMD is a progressive disease and strongly associated with increasing age, particularly after age 60.1 The National Eye Institute reports that some form of AMD affects approximately 11 million individuals in the United States.2
Understanding the Types and Symptoms of AMD
Macular degeneration can present with a variety of symptoms. However, some individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms in the early stages, depending on what form of AMD they have. There are two main types of AMD:
Dry AMD is the most common form of AMD, accounting for about 90% of cases.3 It occurs when the macula slowly thins and breaks down over time, leading to a gradual loss of central vision. Dry AMD progresses slowly and may cause mild to moderate vision loss.
Wet AMD is a more severe and less common form of AMD, accounting for about 10% of cases.3 It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula and leak fluid, causing damage to the macula and leading to rapid and severe vision loss. Wet AMD can cause significant visual distortion and may progress rapidly if not treated.
AMD can cause a number of signs and symptoms, but most individuals with the condition likely experience:
- Blurred or distorted vision, with straight lines appearing wavy or bent and objects appearing either smaller or larger than they actually are.
- Difficulty reading small print or recognizing faces, especially in low-light conditions, as well as decreased color perception.
- Scotoma, where a dark or empty area appears in the center of your vision field.
- Difficulty adjusting to changes in lighting conditions, particularly when transitioning from bright to dim environments.
Who’s at Risk for Developing AMD?
As the population continues to age, the number of people affected by macular degeneration is also expected to increase, particularly among those over 80 years old. In fact, more than one in 10 white Americans over the age of 80 experience vision loss due to AMD.1
The exact cause of AMD is unknown, but several risk factors have been identified, including age, genetics, smoking, obesity, prolonged UV light exposure, and a family history of the disease. However, having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee the development of AMD, and individuals without these risk factors can still develop the condition. By making healthy lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and protecting your eyes from UV light, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing AMD.
The Importance of Early Detection for AMD
Although there is currently no cure for AMD, there are treatment options available to slow down the progression and manage the symptoms. These may include medications, laser therapy, and vision aids in conjunction with lifestyle changes to promote eye and whole-body health.
Early detection of macular degeneration is a key factor in preserving vision and slowing disease progression. Regular comprehensive eye exams, including a dilated eye exam, are instrumental in detecting AMD in its early stages, when treatment and management options are most effective. If you experience any changes in your vision, it’s essential to consult an eye care professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Care in Great Falls, MT
At Great Falls Clinic, our integrated Vision Center provides state-of-the-art care for AMD, tailoring care plans to each patient’s health needs, preferences, and goals. Our vision team provides comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions that impact eye health and function, including corrective treatments, prescriptions, injections, transplants, surgery, and other complex eye disease management options. With our expanding eye care team, Great Falls Clinic stands apart as the leading provider of opthalmalgic services in Great Falls, MT.
The Great Falls Clinic is pleased to welcome ThucAnh Multerer, MD, to our Ophthalmology team. Dr. Multerer is a Philadelphia-raised, board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon. She has been providing medical and surgical care for patients with retina conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, vascular occlusions, epiretinal membrane, macular hole, and retinal detachment since 2007. She joins Dr. Brandon McCafferty to expand retina and ophthalmology services across Central Montana and will be treating patients starting August 19, 2024 at the Great Falls Clinic Specialty Center.
Ready to schedule a consultation? We look forward to serving you.
Sources
- Vision Loss from Eye Diseases Will Increase as Americans Age. National Eye Institute. https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/vision-loss-eye-diseases-will-increase-americans-age
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). National Eye Institute. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration
- Schultz NM, Bhardwaj S, Barclay C, Gaspar L, Schwartz J. Global Burden of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Targeted Literature Review. Clin Ther. 2021;43(10):1792-1818. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2021.08.011