Two forms exist: Dry (atrophic) AMD: is generally slowly progressive and is the most common. It causes moderate to severe visual loss (fig 1). Wet (exudative) AMD: accounts for 10% of AMD but results in 90% of blindness.
Macular degeneration does not cause complete blindness in the vast majority of people. However, it can cause blurry central vision, making it difficult to see objects directly in front of the eyes. It is a progressive disease and often has no symptoms until the later stages.
Many people are frightened of losing vision or going blind when they are told they have macular degeneration. Fortunately, most patients with macular degeneration can keep good vision for their entire lives, and even those who lose their central vision almost always maintain their side, or “peripheral” vision.
The general timeline for the progression of dry AMD from the initial diagnosis to significant vision loss is usually over several years, often within 10 years.
Consider joining an AMD support group to diminish the sense of isolation you may be experiencing, and give you something to look forward to each week. Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for a comprehensive macular eye exam, and to discuss how to optimize your lifestyle.
There is currently no known cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But treatment and lifestyle changes may slow progression of the disease.
If you have macular degeneration, saturated and trans fats from red meat, whole milk, fried foods, and baked goods can increase your vision damage. Also limit omega-6 fatty acids from sunflower, safflower, and corn oils. Olive and canola oils are healthier cooking choices.
For now, there's no way to reverse damage from dry macular degeneration. However, there are many clinical trials in progress. If your condition is diagnosed early, you can take steps to help slow its progression, such as taking vitamin supplements, eating healthy and not smoking.
The condition is rare before age 55. It occurs most in people 75 years or older.
Macular degeneration is an eye condition that causes central vision loss. To prevent further vision loss, macular degeneration can be effectively slowed with laser surgery. There is, unfortunately, no cure for this medical condition.
Frequently asked questions. Can you live a normal life with macular degeneration? You'll probably need to make some changes and adjustments to make life a bit easier with vision loss, but most people can live independently with AMD.
Stem cells may be able to replace the retinal cells that are killed off by this disease. Doctors are devising ways to transplant these stem cells into the eye. One strategy is to layer the stem cells on thin scaffolds. Another tactic is to put the cells into a fluid suspension that can be injected under the retina.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects a person's central vision. AMD can result in severe loss of central vision, but people rarely go blind from it. Risk factors for AMD include being 50 and older, smoking, having high blood pressure and eating a diet high in saturated fat.
For example, early signs of macular degeneration include blurry vision, trouble seeing in dim lights, and faded-looking colors. Your eye doctor isn't the only one responsible for your eye health. It's important that you know about the early signs of eye diseases.
This retrospective study demonstrated that 11.6% of wet AMD patients treated with as needed anti-VEGF agents achieved long-term remission. Thinner choroidal thickness, presence of RAP, more intraretinal fluid, and less subretinal fluid at baseline were associated with long-term remission.
AMD reversal is still an active area of research, albeit with some promising findings. Currently, there's no known cure for the condition. Most treatment and management options available so far help to prevent further damage once AMD has developed. They're still worth trying as they can improve vision in some patients.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
Other symptoms of macular degeneration include: Changes with color perception. Dark or blurry spots in your central vision. Straight lines that appear wavy or distorted.
Some people have only mild central vision loss. In others, it can be more severe. Early detection and self-care measures may delay vision loss due to dry macular degeneration.
Tomato juice contains practically all the essential nutrients your eyes need. From vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and other elements. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, a vital antioxidant that fights against age-related macular degeneration.
Foods to avoid with macular degeneration
To protect your vision, avoid fast foods and go easy on the following, especially if you have high cholesterol: Processed foods that contain trans fats. Tropical oils, like palm oil (use vitamin E–rich safflower and corn oil instead)
The inadequate supply of oxygen indirectly caused due to stress is implicated to be the factor responsible for the worsening of vision. There is also a close link between wet macular degeneration and inflammation both of which could be associated with stress.
If you have symptoms of macular degeneration or a family history of AMD and an unhealthy diet, take supplements which include lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil).