Did you know that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss for older adults?

So, what is AMD? And what are the warning signs of macular degeneration that you should look out for?

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that impacts your central vision. As we age, the macular, which controls sharp, straight-ahead vision, can become damaged, impacting our ability to do up-close activities, read, drive, and even see faces in detail.

There are two forms of macular degeneration: dry and wet.

1. Dry macular degeneration is the more common type, accounting for 80% of diagnosed cases.
2. Wet macular degeneration is less common, accounting for the remaining 20% of cases, but is more serious, causing patients to lose their vision faster than those with dry macular degeneration do. 

What are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration? 

In the early stages, signs of AMD may not present with any symptoms, or they may go undetected until they significantly impact your vision.

Dry macular degeneration symptoms usually develop gradually and painlessly, but there are still symptoms to watch for, including:

• Difficulty adapting to low light levels or needing brighter light when reading or doing close work. 
• Distortion of objects, including lines, which can start to look wavy or crooked.
• Difficulty recognizing faces. 
• A blurred or blind spot in the center of your field of vision. 

AMD may affect one or both eyes. If only one eye is affected, you may not notice any changes in your vision because the other eye compensates for the weak eye. 

How is Macular Degeneration Treated?

Unfortunately, there is not yet a cure for macular degeneration, and any central vision lost cannot be restored. However, there are treatments that may slow its progression or even improve vision. Your eye doctor will discuss any treatment options available to you based on your type of AMD and how advanced it is.

A healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. Possible health choices include: 

• Avoiding smoking. 
• Exercising regularly. 
• Wearing UV protection when outdoors (such as sunglasses or glasses with UV protection)). 
• Eating a healthy diet with more fruits, vegetables, and fish. 
• Managing other diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.

The Importance of an Eye Exam

Sometimes, you might not be able to detect macular degeneration until damage has already occurred. But, your eye doctor can detect early signs of the disease through a comprehensive eye exam.

To diagnose AMD, your eye doctor may utilize an Amsler grid or dilate your eyes to allow them to look inside your eye, along with other diagnostic tests.

If you haven’t recently been to the eye doctor. Now’s the time! Schedule an appointment with a VSP network doctor near you.

Article provided by VSP. Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.