Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disorder that impacts the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for processing images that appear directly in the centre of one’s vision. Dry AMD is a common and less severe form of the disorder that can cause gradual vision loss. However, early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the progression of this condition.
Because vision loss happens slowly with dry AMD, most people do not detect any symptoms in the earliest stages. Over time, issues like blurriness, problems seeing in low light, and dark spots in the centre of one’s vision can occur. In general, the effects of this eye disorder occur over three stages:
Any sudden changes to your vision must be assessed by an eye doctor immediately. Along with dry AMD, your doctor can look for other conditions and disorders known to negatively affect eyesight.
Wet AMD is a more serious disorder that results from the formation of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina. Wet AMD progresses rapidly and can lead to the loss of central vision much sooner than dry AMD.
AMD results from a breakdown of the macula, which can naturally occur over time as a person ages. People with a family history of this eye disorder can have a heightened risk, but AMD often occurs without any prior history.
While dry AMD cannot be cured, early treatment and effective management of the disorder can help preserve one’s vision. For people with intermediate or advanced AMD, the first phase of treatment usually involves supplements like vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, copper, and zeaxanthin. Research shows that when these supplements are combined, they may reduce the progression of AMD.
If your vision has already been impacted by the condition, working with specialists can be quite beneficial. Specialists can provide therapies like low vision rehabilitation, which can help people make more efficient use of their peripheral vision. When the effects of AMD are severe and impact both eyes, doctors may recommend the implantation of a telescopic lens to magnify images for improved vision.