What is age-related macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a painless disorder, which occurs mainly with aging and that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail.

In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. AMD occurs in two forms: wet and dry. Neither dry nor wet AMD cause pain.

How does age-related macular degeneration affect vision?

Many people have difficulty reading as words become blurred. There may also be a dark or empty spot in the central vision. A frequent symptom is distortion, making straight lines such as door-frames appear bent or wavy.

Who is most at risk?

The greatest risk factor is age. Although AMD may occur during middle age, anyone over age 60 is at greater risk. Other risk factors include: smoking, obesity, race/ethnicity (Whites are much more likely to lose vision from AMD than African Americans), family history, and gender (women appear to be at greater risk than men).

What are the symptoms of age-related macular degeneration?

Dry AMD: the most common early sign is slightly blurred vision (i.e. you may have difficulty recognizing faces). Early in the disorder this blurred vision may go away in brighter light.

Wet AMD: Classic early symptoms in both wet and dry AMD is that straight lines appear crooked. A blind spot may also appear, resulting in loss of one's central vision.

How is AMD detected?

AMD is detected during a comprehensive eye exam that includes:

• Visual acuity test. Your eye care professional will ask you to read out loud an eye chart to measure how well you see at various distances.
• Dilated eye exam. Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of AMD and other eye problems. After the exam, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours, but this will go away.
• Tonometry. This is a procedure in which an instrument measures the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test.

Your eye care professional also may do other tests to learn more about the structure and health of your eye.

During an eye exam, you may be asked to look at an Amsler grid (see sample). The pattern of the grid resembles a checkerboard. You will cover one eye and stare at a black dot in the center of the grid. While staring at the dot, you may notice that the straight lines in the pattern appear wavy or you may notice that some of the lines are missing. These may be signs of AMD.

Do NOT depend on the grid displayed here for any diagnosis, check with your eye care professional.

How is AMD treated?

Wet AMD can be treated with laser surgery, photodynamic therapy, and injections into the eye. None of these treatments are a cure for wet AMD, but they can slow down its progression. In some cases, the disease and loss of vision may progress despite treatment.

In the case of dry AMD, treatment can delay and possibly prevent intermediate AMD from progressing to the advanced stage, in which vision loss occurs. However, once it reaches the advanced stage, no form of treatment can prevent vision loss.

What can I do to protect my vision?

Your lifestyle can play a role in reducing your risk of developing AMD.

• Don't smoke.
• Maintain normal blood pressure.
• Watch your weight.
• Exercise.
• A healthy diet is always recommended.

Resources

National Alliance for Hispanic Health
Su Familia: The National Hispanic Family Health Helpline
1-866-SU-FAMILIA (1-866-783-2645)
SuFamilia@hispanichealth.org
http://www.hispanichealth.org

National Eye Institute
http://www.nei.nih.gov

American Macular Degeneration Foundation
http://www.macular.org/proffeye.html