Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

As the population ages, we are experiencing an increase in age-related macular degeneration cases at our Atlanta and Duluth eye care centers. AMD is a common eye disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. In some people, age-related macular degeneration advances so slowly that it will have little effect on their vision as they age. But in others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in one or both eyes.

How does AMD damage your vision?

The retina is a paper-thin tissue that lines the back of the eye and sends visual signals to the brain. In the middle of the retina is a tiny area called the macula. The macula is made up of millions of light-sensing cells that help to produce central vision. AMD occurs in two forms:

• Dry AMD – Ninety percent of all people with AMD have this type. Scientists are still not sure what causes dry AMD. Studies suggest that an area of the retina becomes diseased, leading to the slow breakdown of the light-sensing cells in the macula and a gradual loss of central vision.
• Wet AMD – Although only 10 percent of all people with AMD have this type, it accounts for 90 percent of all blindness from the disease. As dry AMD worsens, new blood vessels may begin to grow and cause "wet" AMD. Because these new blood vessels tend to be very fragile, they will often leak blood and fluid under the macula. This causes rapid damage to the macula and can lead to a quick loss of central vision.

Who is most likely to get AMD?

The greatest risk factor is age. Although AMD may occur during middle age, studies show that people over age 60 are clearly at greater risk than other age groups. For instance, a large study found that people in middle age have about a two percent risk of getting AMD, but this risk increased to nearly 30 percent in those over age 75.

Other Age-related Macular Degeneration risk factors include:

• Gender – Women tend to be at greater risk for AMD than men.
• Race – Whites are much more likely to lose vision from AMD than Latinos and Asians, and those of African descent rarely develop AMD.
• Smoking – Smoking may increase the risk of AMD.
• Hypertension – High blood pressure, especially when poorly controlled, may increase the risk of AMD.
• Family History – Those with immediate family members who have AMD are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

What are the symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

Neither dry nor wet AMD cause any pain. The most common early sign of dry AMD is blurred vision. As loss of function in macular cells progresses, people experience gradual loss of central vision. Often this blurred vision will go away in brighter light. Eventually, there will be a small, but growing blind spot in the middle of the field of vision.

The classic early symptom of wet AMD is that straight lines appear crooked. This is similar to the effect of looking through a fun-house mirror. This is caused by leaking blood from the damaged vessels lifting the macula. There may also be a small blind spot in wet AMD cases, causing central vision loss.

If you believe you have symptoms of age-related macular degeneration, contact either of our offices for an appointment or complete the appointment form online. We are located in Duluth (Johns Creek area). Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.

How is Macular Degeneration detected?

You are at risk to develop AMD if you are over age 60 and have had recent changes in your central vision. To look for signs of the disease, Dr. Waring will use eye drops to dilate, or enlarge, your pupils. Dilating the pupils allows us a better view of the back of the eye. You may also be asked to view an Amsler grid, a pattern that looks like a checkerboard. Early changes in your central vision will cause the grid to appear distorted, a sign of AMD.

How can it be treated?

No treatment currently exists for dry AMD, but it has been suggested that taking certain vitamins and minerals, such as lutein, zeazanthin and zinc, may slow the progress of the disease. Dr. Waring will discuss these options and his recommendations at your visit if you experience this type of macular degeneration.

Dr. Waring can treat some cases of wet age-related macular degeneration with FDA-approved laser surgery. He will discuss the procedure with you in detail at your visit.