Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) comes in two forms: wet and dry. While dry AMD progresses slowly over the course of years, AMD is an advanced form of the condition that can quickly lead to vision loss without timely medical intervention.
As a person grows older, the macula (a light sensitive area in the middle of the retina that processes images in one’s central vision) can weaken and wear down. With dry AMD, the formation of protein deposits damages the macula over time.
In some people, dry AMD can transform into wet AMD, which causes the development of abnormal blood vessels beneath the macula and retina. Leaking fluid from the new blood vessels causes problems with eyesight, and ultimately, loss of vision if treatment is not sought. Along with advancing age, wet AMD is also associated with other risk factors:
Similarly, having family members with AMD can increase your chance of experiencing the condition.
People with wet AMD often experience the following symptoms in their central vision:
AMD can cause symptoms in both eyes simultaneously. However, the degree of damage can vary between the eyes.
As for complications, wet AMD will cause loss of one’s central vision if left untreated. People with substantial vision loss can experience mental health effects, such as depression. Vision loss may also be accompanied by a condition known as Charles Bonnet syndrome, which causes visual hallucinations.
AMD medications work by blocking a protein (vascular endothelial growth factor) that promotes the development of new blood vessels. These drugs are injected directly into the eye in a hospital or clinic. The length of treatment varies, but most patients require injections every four to six weeks.
Laser procedures can shrink abnormal blood vessels in the eye to prevent them from leaking and causing damage to the macula. These procedures can also stop new vessels from forming. While not as common as AMD medications, laser surgery is a good alternative when medication fails to return positive results.
When diagnosed early, it is possible to prevent central vision loss in people with wet AMD. That is why older adults should undergo regular eye exams, which can detect damage well before symptoms occur.
People aged 65 and older are encouraged to get a comprehensive eye exam at least once per year. Comprehensive exams test visual acuity, but they also involve other tests that evaluate eye health. If you are considered at risk for developing AMD, your doctor may recommend eye exams twice a year or more.