Macular degeneration, or AMD, gradually impacts your vision, making daily tasks challenging. Understanding the types and symptoms is crucial for preserving eye health.
Macular degeneration is a condition that gradually affects the central portion of your vision, making everyday tasks such as reading or recognizing faces more challenging. It primarily develops as we age and can progress slowly or more rapidly from one stage to the next. Understanding this guide can help you know what to expect and how to protect your vision.
Macular degeneration, often referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a condition that damages the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. This damage interferes with the ability to see fine details and can make common daily activities more difficult. Although it predominantly affects older adults, recognizing the signs early can empower you to take steps toward preserving your vision.
There are two primary types of macular degeneration, each with distinct characteristics and stages. The most common type is dry AMD, sometimes called non-neovascular or atrophic AMD, which progresses in stages: early, intermediate, and late. The less common, wet AMD (also known as neovascular or exudative AMD) tends to cause vision loss more rapidly due to abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina.
Dry AMD is characterized by the thinning of the macula over time. In its early stages, many people notice little or no change in their vision. As the condition progresses to intermediate and then late stages, small deposits called drusen—pale yellow accumulations beneath the retina—begin to form and may increase along with atrophic areas in the retina. The advanced form, known as geographic atrophy, involves significant areas of retinal thinning and is associated with more severe loss of central vision.
Wet AMD is notable for the rapid and often more dramatic changes in vision that it causes. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, which can leak fluids or bleed, disrupting the normal structure of the retina. This abnormal growth, known as choroidal neovascularization, can lead to the development of scars that permanently damage central vision. Although treatments for wet AMD are available and can help stabilize or even improve vision, early detection remains key.
If you’re experiencing vision changes, contact our eye doctors today to find a top optometrist near you who can help.
The symptoms of macular degeneration vary depending on the stage and type of the condition. Understanding these symptoms can help you notice changes in your vision sooner and seek advice from our eye doctors.
If you observe any signs such as wavy lines or a growing blurry spot in the center of your sight, it is important to seek an evaluation from our eye doctors promptly.
While the exact cause of macular degeneration is not completely understood, it is clear that aging plays a primary role. As you get older, changes in the structure and function of the retina become more common, increasing the risk of AMD. In addition to aging, there are several risk factors that can contribute to the onset and progression of this condition.
It is important to remember that having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop macular degeneration; however, being aware of them offers you the opportunity to make healthy lifestyle choices that may lower your risk.
If you’re experiencing vision changes, contact our eye doctors today to find a top optometrist near you who can help.
Macular degeneration affects your vision. Learn about AMD, its symptoms, causes, and ways to manage your eye health.
