5851. Macular eye degeneration

 Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common, progressive eye disease damaging the macula, causing blurred, distorted, or lost central vision, particularly in people over 50. It has two types: dry (common, slow-progressing) and wet (severe, rapid leaking). Early detection via dilated eye exams is critical to managing symptoms. 

 

 

Key Symptoms

• Blurred Central Vision: A dim or blurry spot in the center of vision that may enlarge.
• Distorted Lines: Straight lines appear wavy, bent, or broken (metamorphopsia).
• Reduced Color Vividness: Difficulty distinguishing colors, especially dark from dark or light from light.
• Dark Spots/Blind Spots: A dark or empty patch in the center of the field of vision.
• Slow Recovery: Difficulty adjusting to low light or bright light. 

Causes & Risk Factors

• Age: Primarily affects people over 50.
• Genetics: A family history increases risk.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, obesity, and diets high in saturated fat.
• Health Conditions: Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), and high cholesterol. 

Prognosis & Treatment

• Prognosis: While it causes significant, irreversible loss of central vision, it rarely leads to complete blindness. Early detection helps maintain quality of life.
• Dry AMD Treatment: No cure, but specialized nutritional supplements (AREDS2 formula) can slow progression.
• Wet AMD Treatment: Includes anti-VEGF injections to stop abnormal blood vessel growth/leaking, and photodynamic therapy. 

Diagnosis

• Dilated Eye Exam: A comprehensive check to view the retina and macula for drusen (yellow deposits).
• Amsler Grid: A test to detect wavy or missing lines in central vision. 
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•  Macular degeneration affects your macula, the central part of your retina. Your retina is in the back of your eye and controls central vision. People with macular degeneration aren’t completely blind. Their peripheral vision (ability to see things off to the sides) is fine.
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  What are the types of macular degeneration?

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

  Dry (atrophic) macular degeneration

  Nearly 90% of people with macular degeneration have the dry form. It develops when tiny yellow protein deposits called drusen form under your macula. The built-up deposits dry and thin your macula.

   

   

  Medications to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

  There are drugs that treat but don’t cure wet AMD. They include anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections. They block the production of VEGF, which is a protein that produces new blood vessels. Your provider, generally a retina specialist, will numb your eye before giving you a shot into the vitreous (intravitreal injections). Anti-VEGF shots can sometimes improve your vision.

   

   

  When should I call my healthcare provider?

  You should call your healthcare provider if you have macular degeneration and experience:

• Painful eye inflammation (iritis or uveitis) and sensitivity to light (photophobia).
• A feeling of pressure behind your eye.
• Eye floaters or flashers.

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