Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): The Leading Cause of Vision Loss in Older Adults

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease affecting the macula that causes gradual loss of central vision and is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over 50.

Function of the macula

The macula is located at the center of the retina and is responsible for:

• Central vision (see details)
• Color Recognition
• Fine Vision (Reading, Driving, etc.)

AMD Types

### Dry AMD (Atrophic)

• Occupied 85-90%
• Slow progress
• Gradual atrophy and thinning of the macula
• No effective treatment available

### Wet AMD (Neovascular)

• Occupied 10-15%
• Rapid progression, severe vision impairment
• Abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage
• Requires timely treatment

Symptoms

• Gradual decline in central vision
• Distorted vision (straight lines appear curved)
• Dark spot or blank area appears in the center of your vision
• Declining color recognition ability
• Insufficient light to read

Risk Factors

• Age (risk increases for those 50 and older)
• Smoking
• Family History
• Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease
• obesity
• Long-term UV exposure

Diagnostic Methods

• **Amsler Grid**: Self-Test for Visual Distortion
• ** Fundus Examination **: Observe macular changes
• **OCT Check**: Precise Evaluation of Macular Structure
• **Fluorescein Angiography**: Assess Neovascularization

Treatment Options

### Wet AMD

• **Anti-VEGF injection**: Inhibits abnormal blood vessel growth; currently the primary treatment.
• **Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)**: For specific types of wet AMD

### Dry AMD

• No effective treatment available
• Consider supplementing with lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc.
• Quit smoking, eat healthy, and wear sunscreen.

Prevention Recommendations

• Quit Smoking
• Healthy Diet (Increase intake of dark green vegetables and fish)
• Wear sunglasses for outdoor activities
• Control blood pressure and lipids
• Get a dilated eye exam every 50 years or older.