The Eye Disease Age-Related Macular Degeneration or AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a deterioration or breakdown of the eye’s macula. The macula is a small area in the retina — the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. The macula is the part of the retina that is responsible for your central vision, allowing you to see fine details clearly. View a video describing the macula.

As people age they develop macular degeneration. There are different kinds of macular problems, but the most common is age-related macular degeneration.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration rarely causes total blindness. Most people that develop AMD continue to have useful vision using their side, or peripheral vision. Usually macular degeneration’s impact can be minimal. When AMD does cause total blindness it will only affect one eye.

Macular degeneration generally goes unnoticed until it is detected during an eye examination.

There are two types of AMD:

Dry, or atrophic, AMD (also called non-neovascular AMD)

The dry form of AMD is the most common. This condition is caused by aging and thinning of the tissues of the macula. Macular degeneration usually begins when tiny yellow or white pieces of fatty protein form under the retina. These deposits are called drusen. Eventually, the macula may become thinner and stop working properly. With dry AMD, vision loss is usually gradual.

Central vision must be constantly monitored when someone has developed dry AMD. If you notice any changes in your vision, you should tell your Colorado Springs ophthalmologist (Eye Doctor) immediately, as the dry form can change into the more damaging form of AMD called wet (exudative) AMD. View a video describing Dry Macular Degeneration.

Wet, or exudative, AMD (also called neovascular AMD)

The wet form of macular degeneration occurs in about 10 percent of all macular degeneration cases, but it can cause more damage to your central or detail vision than the dry form.

Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow underneath the retina. This blood vessel growth is called choroidal neovascularization (CNV) because these vessels grow from the layer under the retina called the choroid. These new blood vessels may leak fluid or blood, blurring or distorting central vision. Vision loss from wet AMD may be faster and more noticeable than that from dry AMD.

The longer these abnormal vessels leak or grow, the more risk you have of losing more of your detailed vision. Also, if abnormal blood vessel growth happens in one eye, there is a risk that it will occur in the other eye. The earlier that wet AMD is diagnosed, the better chance you have of preserving some or much of your central vision. That is why it is so important that you and your ophthalmologist monitor your vision in each eye carefully. View a video describing Wet Macular Degeneration.

Monitoring your vision with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

To use the Amsler grid, wear your reading glasses and hold the grid 12 to 15 inches away from your face in good light.

1. Cover one eye.
2. Look directly at the center dot with the uncovered eye and keep your eye focused on it.
3. While looking directly at the center dot, note whether all lines of the grid are straight or if any areas are distorted, blurry or dark.
4. Repeat this procedure with the other eye.
5. If any area of the grid looks wavy, blurred or dark, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
6. Click here to print a full version of the amsler grid.
7. Click here to view a video explaining how to use an amsler grid.

What can I do for Macular Degeneration?

• Stop smoking
• Control your blood pressure
• Wear sunglasses with Maximum UV protection
• Take AREDS formulation vitamins:
  • 500 mg Vitamin C
  • 400 IU Vitamin E
  • 80 mg Zinc (oxide)
  • 2 mg Copper (oxide)
  • Read more about vitamins for macular degeneration and AREDS
• Take Lutein (approximately 20 mg per day—the recommended dose is not established)
• Fish Oil, or an alternate omega-3 fatty acid, may be beneficial (1-2 grams per day)
• Take a daily multivitamin in addition to the above vitamins
• Floss your teeth: this may reduce bacteria and inflammation
• Take an anti-inflammatory such as Aspirin if your primary care doctor says it’s OK
• If the abnormal blood vessels are not directly under the center of the macula Laser Therapy to treat Macular Degeneration can be performed
• In some cases if the abnormal blood vessels are directly under the center of the macula Photodynamic Therapy can be used to treat Macular Degeneration
• Every day, monitor the vision in each eye. Cover one eye and then the other: if your vision suddenly changes, you need to come in right away.