How does macular degeneration work

In some patients, anti-VEGF injections actually improve the level of visual acuity. Anti-VEGF medications are administered by injecting them directly into the affected eye.

Although this sounds daunting, the procedure is done with a very fine needle and under the cover of numbing anesthetic eyedrops, so patients are usually very comfortable. Anti-VEGF treatment is usually administered regularly over time, requiring multiple injections to maintain the treatment effect, and your retinal physician will discuss the best treatment schedule for you. In selected patients, other treatments, such as laser therapy, can be used, if necessary.

Age-related macular degeneration can result in severe loss of central vision but rarely causes blindness. It can, however, make it difficult to read, drive or perform other daily activities that require fine central vision. In AMD, the health of the peripheral retina is unaffected, so patients can rest assured that their peripheral side vision, and their ability to walk around without bumping into things, is usually preserved.

Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Age-Related Macular Degeneration Definition Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of severe loss of eyesight among people 50 and older.

Types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Causes The two primary types of age-related macular degeneration have different causes: Dry. Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration There are several risk factors that can contribute to developing age-related macular degeneration, including: Being 50 and older Eating a diet high in saturated fat Smoking High blood pressure or hypertension Age-Related Macular Degeneration Symptoms The following are the most common symptoms of age-related macular degeneration.

Symptoms may include: Blurry or fuzzy vision Difficulty recognizing familiar faces Straight lines appear wavy A dark, empty area or blind spot appears in the center of vision Loss of central vision, which is necessary for driving, reading, recognizing faces and performing close-up work The presence of drusen, which are tiny yellow deposits in the retina, is one of the most common early signs of age-related macular degeneration. Age-Related Macular Degeneration Diagnosis In addition to a complete medical history and eye exam, your eye doctor may do the following tests to diagnose age-related macular degeneration: Visual acuity test.

Amsler Grid To use the Amsler grid, follow these steps: Wearing any glasses you normally use to read, hold the grid 12 to 15 inches away from your face in good light.

Cover one eye. Look directly at the center dot with your uncovered eye and keep your eye focused on it. Search the site. Print this Page.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration. On this page:. What is AMD? What are the types and stages of AMD? There are 2 types of AMD: dry and wet. What are the symptoms of AMD? In intermediate dry AMD , some people still have no symptoms.

Others may notice mild symptoms, like mild blurriness in their central vision or trouble seeing in low lighting. In late AMD wet or dry type , many people notice that straight lines start to look wavy or crooked.

You may also notice a blurry area near the center of your vision. Over time, this blurry area may get bigger or you may see blank spots. Colors may also seem less bright than before, and you may have more trouble seeing in low lighting. Am I at risk for AMD? How can I lower my risk for AMD? Did you know? Click to learn how your generosity can contribute to treatment breakthroughs in macular degeneration. Macular Degeneration Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million Americans — more than cataracts and glaucoma combined.

At present, Macular Degeneration is considered an incurable eye disease. Illustrations of the anatomy of a normal human eye and loss of central vision: Anatomy of a Normal Human Eye Animation of loss of central vision One can compare the human eye to a camera. Early AMD — Most people do not experience vision loss in the early stage of AMD, which is why regular eye exams are important, particularly if you have more than one risk factor see below.

Early AMD is diagnosed by the presence of medium-sized drusen yellow deposits beneath the retina. Intermediate AMD — At this stage, there may be some vision loss, but there still may not be noticeable symptoms. Late AMD — At this stage, vision loss has become noticeable. Causes of AMD The specific factors that cause macular degeneration are not conclusively known, and research into this little understood disease is limited by insufficient funding.

This medicine is delivered to your eye through a very slender needle. If you have AMD, you can learn how to make the most of your vision. Often you can still do many of your favorite things with special low vision tools. These can include different kinds of magnifying tools, handheld computers, electronic items and more. Also, you can learn how to use your side vision to help you do things. A vision rehabilitation specialist can teach you how this works. They also can help you find many low vision support services and tools.

Ask your ophthalmologist to help you find a vision rehabilitation specialist in your area. The goal is to learn new ways to be as independent as possible. AMD causes your vision to change over time. You may not notice these changes when they happen. But you need to catch vision changes as soon as possible.

Treating them early can help slow or stop further loss of sight. You should use an Amsler grid every day to monitor your vision. One is below for you to use. Call your ophthalmologist right away if you notice that any lines or parts of the grid look wavy, blurry, or dim. About Foundation Museum of the Eye.