Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) affects the central vision, making daily tasks challenging. Learn about its types, symptoms, and management strategies.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a condition where the central portion of your vision is affected due to damage to the macula, a vital part of the retina. It mainly impacts everyday activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces. While it does not lead to complete blindness, AMD can make everyday tasks a great deal more challenging.
AMD is a progressive eye condition primarily affecting adults over 50. At its core, the disease damages the macula—the small, central area of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. This damage can gradually blur or distort the central field of vision, making it difficult to perform tasks that require focus and precision.
The types and stages of AMD are:
Dry AMD isn’t rare—far from it. It accounts for 80–90% of all AMD cases. Recent CDC estimates suggest that about 12.6% of Americans aged 40 and older (nearly 19.8 million people) are living with some form of AMD. Among these, most have the non-vision threatening form (also called early AMD), while about 1.49 million have vision-threatening (late-stage) AMD.
Risk increases with age: prevalence rises from about 2% among those aged 40–44 to over 46% among those 85 and older. This highlights why regular eye exams and early detection are so important.
Early Dry AMD often goes unnoticed because symptoms are minimal or nonexistent—most people don’t realize they have it. Eye doctors might detect small to medium drusen (yellow deposits under the retina) during a routine exam. Despite being called “early,” about 1 in 8 people over 60 have some level of AMD, underscoring the need for screening even when you do not have any noticeable vision problems.
Subtle vision changes may start to creep in at this stage. You might notice slightly blurred central vision or find it harder to adjust to dim lighting. Many people still don’t know something is wrong, so regular check-ups remain crucial. Detecting AMD here can open the door to dietary and lifestyle measures—like the AREDS2 supplement regimen—that may slow progression.
Vision loss becomes more pronounced here. Large areas of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy (known as geographic atrophy) can lead to significant central vision loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure yet, but there is encouraging research. AREDS2 nutritional supplements have been shown to slow progression by about 25% in people at high risk.
Though only 10–20% of AMD cases are wet AMD, it causes the majority of severe vision loss. This form develops when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood or fluid, rapidly damaging central vision. Because it progresses so quickly, detecting early changes and acting fast can be critical for preserving sight.
Wet AMD is always considered advanced. Many cases begin as dry AMD and evolve into the wet form when these abnormal blood vessels appear. This shift often accelerates vision loss, making regular follow-ups and timely treatment even more vital.
Anti-VEGF injections can slow down wet AMD’s progression and sometimes stabilize vision. However, over half of patients may still experience significant vision decline over time. That’s why diagnosing AMD as early as possible—and following through with recommended therapies—can make all the difference.
Find a top optometrist near you to discuss your AMD concerns and ensure your eye health is prioritized.
Find a top optometrist near you to discuss your AMD concerns and ensure your eye health is prioritized.
Get insights into Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), its symptoms, and treatment options to protect your vision.
