PATIENT EDUCATION
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects central vision used for reading, recognizing faces, driving, and seeing fine detail. Early detection helps protect the vision you rely on every day.
Call promptly for a sudden change in central vision
New distortion, straight lines appearing wavy, a new dark or blank spot, or a sudden decrease in central vision may signal conversion to wet AMD. Contact an eye-care professional promptly rather than waiting for a routine visit.
UNDERSTANDING AMD
What happens in macular degeneration?
The macula is the small central portion of the retina responsible for detailed, straight-ahead vision. AMD damages this area. It does not typically cause complete blindness, but advanced disease can make reading, driving, recognizing faces, and other detailed tasks difficult.
Dry AMD
The more common form. It develops as the macula becomes thinner and drusen accumulate. Progression is often gradual, although advanced dry AMD can cause significant central vision loss.
Wet AMD
Abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and may leak fluid or blood. Wet AMD can change vision quickly and requires prompt treatment.
Geographic atrophy
An advanced form of dry AMD in which areas of retinal cells are lost. Vision changes depend on where and how quickly the atrophy progresses.
Possible symptoms
- No symptoms in early AMD
- Blurred or reduced central vision
- Straight lines appearing bent or wavy
- Difficulty reading in dim light
- Colors appearing less vivid
- A dark, blurry, or blank area near the center of vision
Risk factors
- Increasing age
- Family history or genetic risk
- Smoking
- Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
- Excess body weight and limited physical activity
- A diet low in leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and fish
DIAGNOSIS & MONITORING
A dilated examination can find AMD before you notice it
Your evaluation may include a dilated retinal examination, retinal photographs, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT provides detailed cross-sectional images of the macula and can identify thinning, fluid, or other changes. Additional imaging may be used when abnormal blood vessels are suspected.
Monitor vision at home
An Amsler grid can help you notice new distortion or missing areas. Test one eye at a time with your reading correction and report a new change promptly.
Keep scheduled visits
AMD can progress without obvious symptoms. Your follow-up interval is based on the stage of disease and the findings in each eye.
Protect overall health
Avoid smoking and work with your medical team on blood pressure, cholesterol, nutrition, exercise, and other cardiovascular risks.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the type and stage of AMD
AREDS2 supplements
These vitamins and minerals may reduce progression risk for certain people with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye. They do not prevent AMD and are not appropriate for every patient—ask before starting them.
Wet AMD injections
Anti-VEGF medicines are injected into the eye to reduce leakage and abnormal blood-vessel growth. Regular treatment and monitoring are important for maintaining benefit.
Advanced dry AMD
Retina specialists may discuss injection treatments for geographic atrophy. These treatments aim to slow progression; they do not restore retinal tissue already lost.
Valeda photobiomodulation
The Eye Centers offers Valeda treatment for select patients with dry AMD. Eligibility depends on the stage and appearance of the macula.
COMMON QUESTIONS
AMD FAQ
Will AMD cause total blindness?
AMD primarily affects central vision. Peripheral vision is usually preserved, although advanced central loss can still significantly affect independence.
Should everyone take eye vitamins?
No. AREDS2 supplements benefit particular AMD stages and can interact with health considerations. Use the formula recommended by your eye doctor.
Can cataract surgery worsen AMD?
Cataract and AMD affect different eye structures. Your eye surgeon can explain how much vision loss is due to each condition and what improvement is realistic.
PATIENT EDUCATION VIDEO
Learn more about macular degeneration
This video provides general education and does not replace a dilated examination or individualized medical advice.
THE EYE CENTERS
Protect your central vision
Schedule a comprehensive eye examination if you have AMD risk factors or have noticed a change in detailed vision.