February is not only low vision awareness month, but also age related macular degeneration awareness month. This is a great opportunity to learn more about this common eye condition that affects millions of people around the world, especially those over 50.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what AMD is, what causes it, what are the symptoms, how it can be diagnosed and treated, and how you can cope with low vision caused by AMD. We’ll also share some tips and resources to help you make the most of the vision you have.
Whether you have AMD yourself, or you know someone who does, this post will give you some valuable information and insights. Let’s get started!
What is AMD?
AMD stands for age related macular degeneration. It’s an eye disease that damages the macula, the part of the retina that controls your central vision. The macula is responsible for the sharp, detailed vision you need to see things like faces, words, and colors.
AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50 in developed countries. It affects more than 10 million Americans and more than 200 million people worldwide. It’s estimated that by 2040, the number of people with AMD will reach 288 million.
AMD doesn’t cause total blindness, but it can severely impair your central vision, making it hard to do everyday activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces. It can also affect your quality of life, your independence, and your mental health.
What causes AMD?
The exact causes of AMD are not fully understood, but it’s believed that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Some of the risk factors for developing AMD include:
– Age: AMD is more common and more severe in older people. The risk of developing AMD increases with every decade after 50.
– Family history: If you have a close relative with AMD, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
– Smoking: Smoking doubles the risk of developing AMD and makes it progress faster. It also reduces the effectiveness of some treatments.
– High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eye and increase the risk of AMD.
– Diet: A diet high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar can increase the risk of AMD. A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of AMD and slow its progression.
What are the types and stages of AMD?
There are two main types of AMD: dry and wet. Most people with AMD have the dry type, which accounts for about 80% of cases. Dry AMD happens when the macula gets thinner and loses its function over time. It usually progresses slowly and causes gradual vision loss.
Wet AMD is less common, but more serious. It accounts for about 10% of cases, but 90% of severe vision loss. Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid and blood, damaging the macula. It usually progresses faster and causes sudden vision loss.
Dry AMD can turn into wet AMD at any stage, so it’s important to monitor your vision regularly and report any changes to your eye doctor.
AMD can also be classified into three stages: early, intermediate, and late. The stages are based on the size and number of drusen, which are yellow deposits that form under the retina. Drusen are a sign of AMD, but they don’t always affect your vision.
– Early AMD: You have small or medium-sized drusen, but no vision loss. You may not have any symptoms or notice any changes in your vision. You may not even know you have AMD, unless you have an eye exam.
– Intermediate AMD: You have large drusen, or pigment changes in the retina, or both. You may have some vision loss, but it may not be noticeable. You may have some symptoms, such as blurriness, difficulty seeing in low light, or reduced color perception.
– Late AMD: You have vision loss due to damage to the macula. You may have either dry or wet AMD, or both. You may have symptoms, such as distorted vision, blind spots, or dark areas in your central vision.
How is AMD diagnosed?
The only way to diagnose AMD is to have a comprehensive eye exam by an eye doctor. Your eye doctor will check your vision, your eye pressure, and the health of your retina. They may also use some special tests, such as:
– Amsler grid: This is a simple test that you can do at home or at the doctor’s office. It’s a grid of straight lines with a dot in the center. You look at the dot and check if any of the lines appear wavy, blurry, or missing. This can indicate a problem with your macula.
– Dilated eye exam: This is a test where your eye doctor puts drops in your eyes to widen your pupils. This allows them to see the back of your eye more clearly and look for signs of AMD, such as drusen, pigment changes, or blood vessels.
– Fluorescein angiography: This is a test where your eye doctor injects a dye into your arm and takes pictures of your eye as the dye travels through the blood vessels. This can show if you have any abnormal blood vessels or leakage in your retina.
– Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This is a test where your eye doctor uses a device that scans your eye with light waves and creates a detailed image of your retina. This can show the thickness and structure of your macula and detect any fluid or blood.
How is AMD treated?
There is no cure for AMD, but there are some treatment options that may prevent or slow the progression of the disease, depending on the type and stage of AMD.
For dry AMD, there is no specific treatment, but some studies have shown that taking certain dietary supplements may reduce the risk of developing late AMD or slow its progression. These supplements are known as the AREDS or AREDS2 formula, and they contain high doses of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. However, these supplements are not suitable for everyone, and they may have some side effects or interactions with other medications. You should talk to your eye doctor before taking any supplements for AMD.
For wet AMD, there are some treatments that can stop or slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reduce the leakage of fluid and blood. These treatments include:
– Anti-VEGF injections: These are injections of drugs that block a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which stimulates the growth of abnormal blood vessels. These injections are given into the eye, usually once a month or every few months, depending on the response. They can improve or stabilize vision in most people with wet AMD, but they may have some side effects, such as eye irritation, infection, or bleeding.
– Photodynamic therapy (PDT): This is a treatment where a drug called verteporfin is injected into the arm and activated by a laser that shines on the eye. This causes the abnormal blood vessels to close and stop leaking. This treatment is less common than anti-VEGF injections, and it may have some side effects, such as sensitivity to light, headache, or nausea.
– Laser surgery: This is a treatment where a high-energy laser beam is used to destroy the abnormal blood vessels. This treatment is rarely used, as it can damage the surrounding healthy tissue and cause scarring or vision loss.
None of these treatments can restore vision that has already been lost, but they can prevent further vision loss or slow the progression of the disease. They may also need to be repeated over time, as the abnormal blood vessels may grow back or leak again.
How can you cope with low vision caused by AMD?
If you have low vision caused by AMD, you may find it hard to do some of the things you used to do, such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces. This can affect your quality of life, your independence, and your mental health. However, there are some ways to cope with low vision and make the most of the vision you have, such as:
– Using low vision aids: These are devices that can help you see better, such as magnifiers, telescopes, or electronic devices. You can use them to read, watch TV, or do other tasks that require detailed vision. You can also use large-print books, audio books, or podcasts for entertainment or education.
– Using assistive technology: These are devices or software that can make your computer, smartphone, or tablet more accessible and user-friendly, such as screen readers, voice assistants, or text-to-speech. You can use them to access information, communicate, or do online tasks.
– Using lighting and contrast: These are simple ways to improve your vision, such as using bright and even lighting, reducing glare, or using colors that contrast with each other. You can use them to make your home, workplace, or environment more comfortable and safe.
– Using orientation and mobility training: This is a service that can help you learn how to travel and get around with low vision, such as using a cane, a guide dog, or public transportation. You can also use GPS apps or audible signals to navigate and find your way.
– Using vision rehabilitation services: These are services that can help you adapt and cope with low vision, such as occupational therapy, counseling, or support groups. You can use them to learn new skills, improve your self-esteem, and connect with others who have low vision.
– Using emotional support: This is a vital part of coping with low vision, as it can provide comfort, encouragement, and hope. You can use it to express your feelings, share your experiences, and seek advice. You can get emotional support from your family, friends, or professionals, or join online or offline communities of people with low vision.
AMD is a common eye condition that affects the central vision, but it doesn’t have to stop you from living a full and happy life. There are many ways to prevent, treat, and cope with AMD and low vision, and we’re here to help you along the way.
If you have any questions or comments about AMD or low vision, please leave them below or contact us. We’d love to hear from you. And don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family, and spread the word about low vision awareness month.
