Adjusting to life with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be challenging, but with the right support, you can maintain your vision and quality of life. Our expert eye doctors are here to help you manage AMD effectively.
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that specifically affects the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for fine details. Living with AMD means adjusting to gradually diminished central vision while still maintaining peripheral sight. Although the journey can be challenging, there are many ways to manage and adapt, allowing you to continue enjoying a full life.
Dry AMD is the more common form of age-related macular degeneration, affecting nearly 80% of those diagnosed with the condition. It involves a slow thinning of the macula as you age, which leads to the blurring of fine details needed for reading, driving, and facial recognition. While your side vision remains largely unaffected, the loss of central vision can impact daily routines and make certain tasks more difficult.
For years, there was little hope for treatment options for dry AMD, but recent advances have brought new medications into focus for patients with a type known as dry AMD with geographic atrophy. Two medications currently available help target a protein involved in the destructive process in the retina. These medications, administered directly into the eye, are designed to slow the progression of your vision loss.
If your condition is classified as intermediate AMD, treatment may involve a specific combination of nutritional supplements, commonly known as the AREDS2 formula. This combination is believed by some research, including studies from the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies, to slow the progression of visual decline in certain individuals. The AREDS2 supplement contains:
Our eye doctors can advise you on whether a supplement might be beneficial given the stage of your AMD, and if so, on the suitable brand that matches the prescribed nutrient dosages. Many patients find that these approaches help them manage the condition more effectively, even in the absence of a complete cure.
Living with dry AMD often means making lifestyle modifications that protect the remaining function of your vision and promote overall eye health. One of the most important changes you can make is to stop smoking—as research indicates that smokers are twice as likely to develop AMD, and if diagnosed, their condition tends to deteriorate faster. Additionally, adopting a healthy routine that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet can be a game-changer.
Emphasize foods such as colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This diet has been linked to a lower risk of progressing to more advanced AMD.
As excessive alcohol intake has been associated with more severe forms of AMD, reducing your alcohol intake can help protect your vision.
High blood pressure can negatively impact your eyes, so it’s wise to regularly check your blood pressure and work to keep it within a healthy range.
By incorporating these changes into your daily routine, you can create an environment that supports eye health and may slow progression of AMD. Our eye doctors encourage patients to review all lifestyle changes with a primary care professional to ensure every adjustment is safe and beneficial according to their overall health status.
No one should feel limited by their vision loss, and fortunately, there are a host of assistive technologies available that help you continue to enjoy everyday activities. When faced with the challenges of reduced central vision, adapting your environment can make a significant difference.
These are designed to maximize the remaining vision you have, allowing you to perform tasks like reading or sewing with greater ease.
Increasing the font size can offer a better reading experience as your central vision changes.
Devices with larger numbers, high contrast colors, or options with talk functions can help you keep track of the day effortlessly.
Combining a camera with a television screen, these systems magnify whatever you are looking at to help bring details into clearer view on a screen.
If you or a loved one is living with dry AMD, don't hesitate to reach out to our skilled eye doctors. They can provide personalized advice and treatment options that suit your needs. Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you today!
Whether handheld or computer-connected, magnifiers boost size and clarity, making it easier to access detailed information.
These tools help you view distant objects more clearly, such as recognizing details on a movie screen or reading stage directions during a theater performance.
Programs that magnify screen content or convert text to speech can be invaluable, especially during extended computer use or reading sessions.
Our eye doctors are committed to connecting you with local organizations specializing in adapting your environment. They can help you explore these options so that vision loss does not have the final say in the quality of your daily activities.
It’s important to recognize that a diagnosis of AMD can also take an emotional toll, with studies indicating that over 40% of those affected experience feelings of depression. The gradual decline in central vision can lead to feelings of isolation, especially if diminished vision affects your ability to drive, work, or socialize. Here’s the thing: emotional well-being is just as crucial as physical health when managing AMD.
If you notice these signs in yourself, consider discussing them with a trusted healthcare professional. Engaging in regular physical activity, pursuing hobbies, and connecting with community resources or support groups can also help maintain a sound mental state throughout the journey with AMD.
Because dry AMD progresses gradually, it is essential to keep up with regular eye examinations. While the standard recommendation is for everyone aged 65 and older to have an eye exam every couple of years, those of you living with AMD may need to schedule appointments more frequently. These regular checkups allow our eye doctors to monitor changes in your vision, adjust treatment plans if necessary, and guide you on lifestyle choices that could slow the progression of the condition.
Regular visits to our eye doctors not only help in tracking the progression of AMD but also offer reassurance. Each examination serves as an opportunity to address any new challenges and to refine strategies for living with vision changes. This ongoing care is a cornerstone of maintaining both your vision and your overall quality of life.
Living with dry AMD requires adjustments, yet with proactive self-care, adaptive solutions, and guidance from our eye doctors, you can continue leading a fulfilling life. Focus on making informed lifestyle choices, maintain regular check-ups, and seek support when needed to navigate your AMD journey effectively.
If you or a loved one is living with dry AMD, don't hesitate to reach out to our skilled eye doctors. They can provide personalized advice and treatment options that suit your needs. Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you today!
Living with dry AMD involves adjustments, treatment options, and lifestyle changes. Seek support from top optometrists near you for expert guidance.
