Age-Related Macular Degeneration is a very common eye disease in people over 60. It seldom reveals any symptoms as it develops, so by the time the patient notices a problem with their vision, the irreversible damage has been done. The best way to prevent permanent damage is through annual eye exams.
There are two different forms of AMD. Although the types develop and function quite differently, the result without treatment is the same: an eventual loss of central vision.
The dry form of AMD is much more common, making up about 85% of cases. In this version of the disease, deposits of fat called drusen start to collect around the macula (the part of the retina responsible for your central vision). The drusen block light from reaching the macula, and in extreme cases, can eventually cause the cells of the macula to die.
Wet form AMD develops when irregular blood vessels start to grow in front of the retina. These blood vessels break, leaking fluid in front of the retina and potentially causing scarring of the macula. This blocks light from entering the macula, causing blind spots in the central vision. Wet AMD is uncommon, but very severe, accounting for the majority of vision loss associated with AMD.
There is no surefire way to avoid developing age-related macular degeneration. But with a few lifestyle changes, you can lower the risk of getting it. Here are a few tips to help prevent AMD.
AMD has no cure. There is no way to eliminate the disease, nor is there any way to reverse the vision lost to AMD. However, once AMD has been detected through an eye exam, treatments can be administered to slow down the progression of the disease.
This method of treatment uses a light-sensitive medication. This medication is injected into the eye, where it is then absorbed by the irregular blood vessels. The doctor will then shine a light into the patient’s eye. This light activates the drug, killing off the irregular blood vessels.
Lasers aren’t used to treat AMD as frequently now that the injectable drug is available, however, some doctors still prefer it for some patients. The doctor injects the patient with a material that highlights the damaged blood vessels in the eye. The doctor then targets the highlighted vessels with a laser, sealing them off and preventing further leakage.