Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that causes blurring of your central vision. The blurring happens because of damage to the macula, a small area at the back of the eye. The macula helps you see the fine detail in things that your eyes are focusing on.

Macular degeneration makes it harder to do things that require sharp central vision, like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. It does not affect side vision, so it does not lead to complete blindness.

There are two types of macular degeneration—wet and dry. The dry form is by far the most common type. The wet form is much less common, but it happens more quickly and is more severe.

You may have either type in just one eye, but over time you may get it in the other eye too.

AMD can cause these symptoms:

• Central vision becomes dim, fuzzy, or less sharp. This is the main symptom of macular degeneration.
• Straight lines begin to appear wavy or curved. This is usually the first symptom of wet AMD.
• Objects appear warped, distorted, or smaller than they really are.
• A new blank or blind spot develops in your central field of vision.
• Reading requires more light than it did in the past.
• You find it harder to see people's faces clearly.
• You have a loss of central vision that doesn't go away or becomes worse over time.

Dry AMD happens slowly. Vision changes may be so gradual that you don't notice them. You may have it for several years before it affects your ability to read, drive, and do everyday activities.

Wet AMD happens suddenly. Symptoms tend to appear suddenly and get worse fast.

A doctor can usually detect AMD by doing a regular eye exam. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, past eye problems, and other health conditions.

You may have some vision tests.

• A visual acuity test checks your central vision. Central vision gets worse over time in a person who has AMD, and a visual acuity test can measure whether your vision has become worse since your last exam.
• Ophthalmoscopy lets your doctor look inside your eye to check for signs of AMD.
• An Amsler grid test can detect wet AMD. If you have wet AMD, lines on a grid appear wavy or curved instead of straight, or you may see a blank spot or hole on part of the grid.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that all people ages 40 to 54 have a comprehensive eye exam every 2 to 4 years. This helps to detect AMD early.

There is no cure for AMD. But certain treatments may delay vision loss.

Your doctor can refer you to professionals who help people adjust to living with low vision.

For dry AMD, follow your doctor's advice for having regular exams and watching the condition at home, because dry AMD can sometimes develop into wet AMD. Certain vitamin and mineral supplements may help slow vision loss. Check with your doctor before taking any supplements. Some can have harmful side effects.

Treatment for wet AMD can sometimes delay further damage to your central vision. But in most cases, wet AMD starts again. The main treatment for wet AMD is a medicine that is injected into your eye. Sometimes other treatments may be recommended.

Because wet AMD often causes rapid and severe loss of central vision, it is important not to delay treatment if your doctor recommends it.

There's no treatment that can cure age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But there are things you can do at home to care for your eyes.

People with AMD should check the vision in both eyes using an Amsler grid every day or as often as the doctor recommends. If any of the lines on the grid change or begin to appear wavy and curved, or if you notice that your vision is getting worse, call your doctor.

Reduced vision or vision loss from AMD can affect your life in many ways. How much it will affect you depends on your lifestyle and on how bad your vision loss is. Work with your doctor to find ways to make the best use of your remaining vision. There are things that you can do to adjust and to keep your quality of life as much as possible. Try using aids like magnifying glasses, brighter lighting, and large-print books.

It is normal to feel unhappy about your loss of vision. But if your feelings of sadness are severe or do not improve, you may develop depression, which requires treatment. If you need help in dealing with your feelings about AMD, talk to your doctor and to your family and friends. Your doctor can also refer you to a counselor who specializes in helping people adjust to living with limited vision.