Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that causes damage to the central part of your retina, located at the back of your eye. This central area is called the macula and it controls your central vision. If the macula sustains any type of damage, you can start to experience symptoms such as:
- Blurry vision
- Dark spots
- Straight lines appear wavy
- Loss of central vision
- Difficulty seeing in low light environments
- Trouble distinguishing colors
As these symptoms progress, it will become more and more difficult to recognize faces, read, drive and perform normal daily functions.
Unfortunately, if you wait until you have these symptoms to see an eye doctor, permanent vision loss may have already occurred in your central vision. At Azul Vision, our team is trained to see the signs of AMD in the earliest stages so the condition can be monitored and treatment provided when necessary.
2 Forms of AMD
Another important thing to know about AMD is that there are 2 different types of this eye disease. The most common type is called Dry AMD, caused when deposits of yellow drusen build up under the center of your retina (the macula). This causes the area to become thin and dry.
The other type is called Wet AMD, a condition where abnormal, fragile blood vessels can grow under the macula which leak fluid or blood in the area, causing vision distortion. This form can cause rapid, severe vision loss.
Risk Factors for AMD
People over 50 are at a higher risk of developing AMD, especially if you are a smoker, eat foods high in saturated fat and have high blood pressure or hypertension. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes as well as AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) vitamin supplements to help slow the progression of this disease.
Anti-VEGF Medications
One way to treat wet AMD is through the injection of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial grown factor) medications. These injections can lower the levels of VEGF to reduce the amount of abnormal blood vessels being created by your body.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy may be recommended if you have wet AMD. During photodynamic therapy, a light-sensitive drug is injected into a vein in your arm or hand. This is done to target abnormal blood vessels that have formed. A contact lens is placed on your eye and a laser light is directed onto the spot where the abnormal blood vessels have formed under the center of your retina (macula). The goal is to seal the leaky, weak blood vessels that are contributing to your vision problems. Several treatments may be necessary and the procedure is not always 100% effective.
If you are experiencing any type of vision problem, please don’t ignore your symptoms. Early diagnosis and management of your condition could save your eyesight.
Stay proactive with your eye health.
Schedule an Eye Exam today!