Macular degeneration causes central vision loss and is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. It becomes more common after the age of 55 and the risk increases as you age. Having a family history of macular degeneration increases your risk of developing the disease. There are two main stages of macular degeneration, commonly referred to as “dry” and “wet”. Certain eye vitamins have been shown to reduce the risk of progression of the disease. If you develop wet macular degeneration, injections of medications can be extremely effective in not only stabilizing the vision, but in improving it as well. Anyone over the age of 55 should have a dilated eye exam every 1-2 years. After age 65, exams should be at least yearly.
What is AMD?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that damages the **macula**, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision, and is most common in people over age 50. It typically appears in two forms: **dry AMD**, which involves thinning of the macula and buildup of yellow deposits called drusen, and **wet AMD**, which occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood. Dry AMD progresses slowly, while wet AMD is less common but causes faster and more severe vision loss. Symptoms often include blurry central vision, needing more light to read, straight lines appearing wavy, or a dark spot in the center of vision.
Although there is no cure, several options can help manage or slow the disease. Dry AMD progression may be slowed with AREDS2 vitamins and lifestyle changes, while wet AMD is often treated with anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, or photodynamic therapy. Risk factors include aging, smoking, high blood pressure, poor diet, and family history. Preventive steps—such as not smoking, protecting eyes from UV light, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and getting regular eye exams—can also lower the likelihood or progression of AMD.
AMD Detection & Treatment Options
The condition is commonly diagnosed during routine eye exams. However, if you experience a sudden change in your vision or you notice distortion of straight lines, you should notify your eye care provider. Early detection is extremely important because treatments can delay or reduce the severity of the condition. It’s a good idea to have a dilated eye exam every 1-2 years once you reach 55 years old. After 65, it’s recommended that you have a dilated eye exam every year.
While there is currently no cure for AMD, treatments are available that can prevent severe loss of vision and slow the progression of the disease considerably. At Excel Eye Center, we use specific combinations of vitamins that have been shown to dramatically slow the condition’s progress. In the case of “wet” macular degeneration, we employ medications that can stabilize and even, in some cases, improve vision.
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What to Look For:
Additional Symptoms:
As we age the lens in our eyes become gradually cloudy and opaque, forming a cataract. You can watch for the following warning signs, any of which could indicate a potential cataract:
Initially, cataracts may go unnoticed because they develop slowly over time; however, as they progress, the following symptoms may become more apparent:
Blurred Vision
Cataracts often cause blurred vision as they develop. You may notice that your vision becomes hazy or cloudy, making reading, driving, or performing everyday tasks difficult.
Sensitivity To Light
Cataracts can cause increased sensitivity to light. Bright lights or lights that can cause glare, like sunlight or car headlights, tend to cause the most irritation.
Difficulty Seeing At Night
Many individuals with cataracts experience difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. Night driving may become more challenging due to decreased vision and increased sensitivity to glare.
Faded Colors
Cataracts can affect your perception of colors, making them appear dull or faded. Colors may lose their vibrancy or become less distinguishable from one another.
- Frequent Changes In Eyeglass Prescriptions
- Double Vision
- Halos Around Lights
- Poor Night Vision
Cataract symptoms eventually reach a point where conservative measures such as, new eyeglasses and ideal lighting conditions are not sufficient. If you experience any of these vision issues, you may be developing a cataract.
