Age-related Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a common eye disease that results in the loss of a person's sharp, central vision - vision required for reading, driving and recognizing faces. Often called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) because of its association with aging, AMD is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans over age 50.

February is AMD Awareness Month. Following is some information about this eye disease.

The root causes of macular degeneration are still unknown. There are two forms of age-related macular degeneration: "wet" and "dry." Seventy percent of patients have the "dry" form, which involves thinning of the macular tissues and disturbances in its pigmentation. Thirty percent have the "wet" form, which can involve bleeding within and beneath the retina, opaque deposits, and eventually scar tissue. The "wet" form accounts for 90 percent of all cases of legal blindness in macular degeneration patients.

This photo simulates what someone with macular degeneration sees.

Declining vision noticed by the patient or by an ophthalmologist during a routine eye exam may be the first indicator of macular degeneration. The formation of new blood vessels and exudates, or "drusen," from blood vessels in and under the macular is often the first physical sign that macular degeneration may develop. In addition, the following signs may be indicative of macular problems. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult an ophthalmologist immediately:

1. Straight lines appear distorted and, in some cases, the center of vision appears more distorted than the rest of the scene.
2. A dark, blurry area or "white-out" appears in the center of vision.
3. Color perception changes or diminishes.

The following are NOT known to be linked to macular degeneration: floaters (moving spots caused by debris floating in the vitreous fluid between the lens and the retina), dry eye syndrome, cataracts and cataract surgery.

Is early detection important?
Early detection is important because a patient destined to develop macular degeneration can sometimes be treated before symptoms appear, and this may delay or reduce the severity of the disease. Furthermore, as we develop better treatments for macular degeneration, whether they are medicinal, surgical, or low vision aids, those patients diagnosed with macular degeneration can sooner benefit from them. Currently, there is no cure for macular degeneration.

If you are between 40 and 55, you should have your eyes examined every two years. After age 55, you should have an annual exam. Your ophthalmologist or optometrist will use an ophthalmoscope to look inside the eye. They may also use an Amsler Grid test.

The Sight & Hearing Association offers a magnetic version of the Amsler Grid screening test. Perfect for sticking on the refrigerator, the Amsler Grid Magnet is a tool that you can use at home to check for early signs of macular degeneration. To order a copy of the Amsler Grid Magnet, send $2 (to cover shipping/handling) to the Sight & Hearing Association, 674 Transfer Road, St. Paul, MN 55114-1402. Please include your name and address.