Every February, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month reminds us to prioritize our eye health, especially as we age. AMD, a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50, can have a significant impact on daily life. Lake Lazer Eye Center is here to help you understand AMD and take steps to safeguard your vision.
Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration
AMD damages the macula, the part of the retina that controls sharp central vision. This damage can impair essential tasks such as reading, driving or recognizing faces. There are two main types of AMD:
Dry AMD: The more common form, characterized by the gradual thinning of the macula and the presence of yellow deposits called drusen.
Wet AMD: A less common but more severe type, caused by abnormal blood vessels growing beneath the retina, often leading to rapid vision loss.
Recognizing the Signs of AMD
Early detection is critical because AMD often starts without noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, you may experience:
- Blurred or distorted vision in the center of your visual field.
- Warping and waviness in normally straight lines.
- Dark or empty spots in your central vision.
- Difficulty recognizing faces.
Risk Factors for AMD
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition:
Age: This is the greatest factor affecting AMD risk. People over 50 are at the greatest risk.
Family history: A genetic predisposition can play a significant role. Inform your ophthalmologist of any relatives with AMD.
Lifestyle choices: Your risk increases with an unhealthy diet, smoking and inadequate physical activity. Stopping smoking, getting nutrient-rich foods and more exercise can lower your risks.
Certain health conditions: A higher risk of AMD is associated with conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity and cardiovascular issues.
Treatment Options for AMD
While age-related macular degeneration (AMD) cannot be cured, various treatments are available to slow its progress:
Wet AMD: Advanced therapies such as anti-VEGF injections (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, a protein that promotes the growth of new blood vessels), photodynamic therapy and laser treatments can prevent further vision loss and, in some cases, restore some clarity.
Dry AMD: Supplements including vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and copper can help slow the progression of dry AMD.
Lifestyle changes: A diet that includes leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can support eye health. These dietary adjustments may help in the prevention of AMD and other conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.
The Need for Regular Monitoring
AMD can progress silently, making regular comprehensive eye exams essential for early detection and timely intervention. Lake Lazer Eye Center uses advanced technology to monitor and manage AMD, creating personalized treatment plans for each patient.
FAQs About AMD
Does AMD cause total blindness?
AMD does not typically cause complete blindness, but it can cause immense damage to central vision, affecting the ability to do things like reading or driving. While peripheral vision usually remains intact, individuals may need adaptations to maintain some level of independence.
How soon will I notice results from AMD treatment?
This varies, but many patients notice stabilization or improvement within weeks to months of beginning treatment.
How can someone with AMD maintain independence?
People with AMD can use magnifying glasses, high-contrast lighting, large-print books and assistive technologies like text-to-speech software. Support groups and vision rehabilitation services can also provide valuable resources for adapting to vision changes.
How is AMD diagnosed?
AMD is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, including visual acuity tests, a dilated eye exam, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography for wet AMD.
How often should I get my eyes checked if I’m at risk for AMD?
Individuals at risk should have a comprehensive eye exam every year, or more frequently if recommended by an eye care professional.
Take Charge of Your Vision with Lake Lazer Eye Center
Don’t let AMD catch you off guard. Whether you need a comprehensive eye exam or are considering LASIK in Detroit, Lake Lazer Eye Center provides expert care tailored to your needs. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward protecting your vision.
With convenient locations in Clinton Township, Southfield and Milford, Lake Lazer Eye Center offers Metro Detroit-area patients comprehensive glaucoma care as well as up-front pricing and convenient and affordable payment plans for SoftTouch LASIK and the SMILE Pro procedure. Dr. Khambati has helped thousands of people from all over the world escape the restrictions of glasses and contacts through laser vision correction procedures. Detroit patients who are not candidates for vision correction can get our assistance with a contact lens evaluation or a selection of designer and specialty eyewear.
