Age-related macular degeneration is a retinal disease that affects the macula, which is the central portion of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. When the macula becomes damaged, central vision can become blurred or distorted, and blind spots may develop. According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 11 million people in the United States are currently living with AMD.
Many people with AMD may not notice symptoms in the early stages, especially if only one eye is affected. As the disease progresses, vision changes may include:
Early detection is key, as treatment options are more effective when AMD is identified promptly.
There are two types of age-related macular degeneration:
Dry AMD is the most common form of the disease. It occurs as the macula gradually thins with age, leading to slow, progressive vision loss over time.
Wet AMD is less common, affecting approximately 10 percent of patients with macular degeneration. However, it accounts for about 90 percent of severe vision loss and blindness related to AMD. This form occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid and often significant vision loss.
While macular degeneration cannot be completely prevented, research from the National Eye Institute shows that people at high risk of developing advanced AMD may benefit from specific nutritional supplements. A combination of zinc and antioxidant vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, available in over-the-counter formulations, may help slow disease progression in certain patients.
Currently, there is no medical or surgical treatment to reverse dry macular degeneration. Management focuses on monitoring the condition and using antioxidant vitamin supplements to help reduce the risk of further vision loss.
Treatment options for wet AMD have advanced significantly in recent years.
In the past, abnormal leaking blood vessels were treated primarily with laser therapy or Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). PDT uses a light-sensitive drug injected into the arm that collects abnormal blood vessels in the eye. A specialized “cold” laser then activates the drug to seal these vessels. Studies involving the drug verteporfin (Visudyne) showed that multiple treatments helped limit vision loss over one- and two-year periods.
More recently, researchers discovered that a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye. VEGF inhibitor medications work by blocking this process and preventing further damage.
FDA-approved VEGF inhibitors include:
These medications are administered through injections directly into the eye and have shown results that are similar to PDT in many patients. Ongoing clinical trials continue to explore the effectiveness of VEGF inhibitors and emerging treatments.
Patients over the age of 60 should receive routine comprehensive eye exams and remain alert for symptoms of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other age-related eye conditions. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are the most effective ways to preserve vision.
At McDonald Eye Associates, we are committed to providing the most advanced and effective treatments available for macular degeneration. As new technologies and therapies emerge that we believe will benefit our patients, we are dedicated to making them available to our community.
If you have concerns about your vision or would like to schedule an eye exam, our experienced team is here to help protect your sight for years to come.
