The eye condition known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has the potential to worsen over time. It is the main factor in severe, permanent vision loss in adults over 60.
It takes place when the macula, a small area in the center of your retina, wears down. The retina is the nerve tissue at the back of your eye that detects light.
Age-related macular degeneration is a term used frequently to describe the condition because it develops as you age. Although it typically doesn’t result in blindness, it could result in serious vision issues.
AMD phases and type?
AMD comes in both dry and wet forms.
Most AMD patients have dry AMD (also called atrophic AMD). At this point in life, the macula begins to thin. Early, intermediate, and late stages of dry AMD all occur together. Typically, it develops gradually over several years. Late dry AMD has no known cure, however, there are techniques to maximize your remaining vision. You can also take precautions to safeguard your other eye if you only have late dry AMD in one of your eyes.
Wet AMD is a less frequent form of late AMD that typically results in a rapid visual loss (also known as advanced neovascular AMD). Wet AMD can develop at any stage of dry AMD, however wet AMD is always in the late stage. The macula is harmed when aberrant blood vessels develop behind the eye. The good news is that there are wet AMD treatment options available.
Symptoms of AMD?
The stages of AMD affect the symptoms Dry AMD happens in 3 stages: early, intermediate, and late. Since AMD is a progressive condition, symptoms typically worsen over time.
- There are no symptoms of early dry AMD.
- Some patients with intermediate dry AMD are still symptomless. Others may experience minor symptoms, such as slight central vision mild blurriness, or difficulty seeing in dim lights.
- Many people notice that straight lines start to appear wavy or curved in late AMD (wet or dry type). There can also be a hazy spot right in the middle of your field of vision. This hazy area might expand with time or you might notice blank spaces. Additionally, colors can seem less vibrant than usual, and dim lighting might make it harder for you to see. A warning sign of late AMD is when straight lines look wavy. Visit your eye doctor as soon as possible if you experience this symptom.
Treatment
Treatment for AMD depends on the stage and type. There’s currently no treatment for early AMD, so your eye doctor will probably just keep track of how your eyes are doing with regular eye exams. Healthy eating, consistent exercise, and quitting smoking may all be beneficial.
Special dietary supplements (vitamins and minerals) may be able to prevent late AMD from developing if you have intermediate AMD in 1 or both of your eyes. These supplements may decrease the progression of AMD in your other eye if you just have late AMD in one eye.
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