Age-Related Macular Degeneration
What is age-related macular degeneration?
The macula is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye.
This area provides sharp, central vision needed for reading and driving.
How Common is AMD?
Millions of elderly people experience vision loss as a result of age-related
macular degeneration (AMD). Although these people rarely become blind, they do
experience difficulty performing daily activities that require central vision
such as reading or driving a motor vehicle.
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How does AMD result in vision loss?
AMD occurs in both a wet and dry form of the condition. Slow occurring or dry
AMD affects 90 percent of those with the condition. As light sensitive cells
in the macula break down, central vision deteriorates. Fast occurring or wet
AMD affects 10 percent of AMD cases and accounts for 90 percent of severe vision
loss cases. This condition occurs when new, fragile blood vessels grow behind
the macula. These blood vessels often leak blood and fluid which causes a rapid
loss of central vision.
Who is most at risk for AMD?
Persons over age 75 are most at risk of developing AMD. In addition, the
risk increases among:
- women (according to some studies)
- smokers
- those with a family history of AMD
- persons with elevated levels of blood cholesterol.
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What are the symptoms of AMD?
Slightly blurred vision is the most common symptom of AMD. Wavy lines or a
blind spot in the center of the field of vision are other symptoms.
How can doctors detect AMD?
Eye care professionals can:
- use an eye chart
- dilate the pupils of the eye
- detect the presence of yellow deposits in the retina known as drusen
- use an Amsler Grid test
- introduce dye into the veins. The dye shows leaking blood vessels in the retina. This is known as a fluorescein angiography.
How is AMD treated?
Laser surgery can aid some cases of wet AMD. The procedure involves the aiming
of high energy beams of light onto the leaking blood vessels. At the present
time, an effective treatment for dry AMD is not available.
Can AMD be prevented?
Currently, prevention of AMD does not exist.
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Copyright 2002 Lafayette Lions Club
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