AMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration) eye disease is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50, affecting millions worldwide. This chronic eye disease silently damages the macula (the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision). This leads to blurred or distorted vision and ultimately causes blindness. With the potential risk of increased prevalence of AMD, it has become essential to understand its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. Stay with us till the end to explore the impact of AMD on vision and eye health.

What is AMD -Macular Degeneration) eye disease?

Macular Degeneration is a medical condition that affects the macula. The macula is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It enables us to see fine details, recognise faces, and perform daily tasks such as reading and driving. Any damage to the macula results in blurred or no vision in the centre of vision field.

How AMD Affects Vision

AMD affects vision by damaging the macula, leading to vision distortion and blurry or hazy vision. Straight lines may appear wavy or crooked, objects may appear smaller or larger than they really are, blind spot or empty area in the centre of vision, and colours may appear faded or less vibrant.

Types or Stages Of AMD:

There are two types of AMD:

• Dry or atrophic AMD
• Wet or advanced neovascular AMD

Most of the people suffering from AMD have the dry AMD. In this type of AMD macula gets thinner with age, undergoing three stages, namely early intermediate and late, over several years.

A less common type of late AMD is wet AMD, which can happen at any stage of dry AMD causing faster vision loss. It happens due to the abnormal blood vessels growth in the back of the eye which damages the macula.

What Increases Your Risk of Getting AMD?

While we still don’t know the exact cause of AMD, here are a few things that can increase your chances of getting it.

1. Age Factors and Eye Health: As you age, your risk of getting AMD goes up. It mostly affects people over 50.
2. Family History: If your family members have this disorder, you are more likely to get it too.
3. Smoking: Smoking is bad for eye health and can increase your risk of getting eye diseases including AMD.
4. Being Overweight: Obesity means elevated risks of developing AMD.
5. High Blood Pressure: Having high blood pressure can damage eyes and increase your risk.
6. Unhealthy Diet: A balanced diet is essential for eye health. Unhealthy eating habits might lead to increased risk.
7. Too Much Sun Exposure: Spending too much time in the sun without protecting your eyes can increase your risk of developing AMD.
8. High Stress Levels: Chronic stress also leads to higher risk of getting this disease.

Remember, understanding these risk factors can help you take steps to protect your eyes and lower the risk of getting AMD.

Signs you may have AMD (Macular Degeneration) Eye Disease:

AMD can cause a range of symptoms which may include:

1. Blurred Vision: Blurred vision is a sign of AMD. Straight lines appear wavy and details are hard to see.
2. Distorted Vision: Objects appear bent, crooked or smaller than their original size.
3. Colours Appear Faded: Colours seem less vibrant or washed out.
4. Blind Spots: Empty areas or blind spots in the central vision.
5. Difficulty Reading: Blurry or distorted vision makes routine tasks like reading difficult.
6. Difficulty Driving: AMD makes it hard to drive due to blurry vision and blind spots.

• Trouble Recognising Faces: Faces appear blurry or distorted in AMD.

When to Seek Help?

As soon as you notice any of these symptoms it is essential to see an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) right away. Early detection and treatment is paramount in lowering the vision loss or damage caused by eye diseases such as AMD.

AMD often develops slowly, and symptoms might not be visible until the condition is advanced. This is why it is important to get regular eye tests to diagnose eye problem early on.

Diagnosing AMD: Eye tests to diagnose eye problem

AMD typically requires comprehensive eye tests to diagnose eye problem effectively. Doctors may perform;

Visual Acuity Test: To check your vision sharpness using an eye chart. Dilated Eye Exam: To examine the retina and macula by enlarging your pupils. Retinal Imaging Tests: These may include;

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): To take detailed images of the retina and macula.
• Fluorescein Angiography (FA): To highlight blood vessels in the retina using dye.

Physical Exam: To check for other health conditions that may contribute to AMD.

What to Expect During the Exam

Eye exams are usually painless and take about an hour. The doctors will discuss the diagnosis with you after reviewing the test results.

Early Detection Matters

Regular exams are crucial for detection of AMD at a stage where its treatment is most effective. AMD when left untreated leads to permanent vision loss. If you are over 50 or have any of the risk factors mentioned in this article, schedule an exam every 1-2 years.

Managing and Preventing AMD:

Treatment Options for AMD macular degenerative eye disease:

While there is no cure of AMD, there are some ways to reduce or slow down the progression of AMD, helping you to live a normal life as much as possible.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Certain supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, help slow down AMD progression and reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Injections: These are injected into the eye to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth which is causing AMD.

Laser Therapy: Similar to VEGF in action, Laser treatment also reduces abnormal blood vessel growth and helps slow down vision loss.

Photodynamic Therapy: Photodynamic Therapy includes a light-sensitive medication and laser treatment to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth.

Lifestyle Changes to manage AMD

Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Regular Exercise: Engage in moderate exercise, like walking or swimming, for at least 30 minutes a day.

Don’t Smoke: Smoking is one of the leading causes of eye related diseases. Quit smoking to reduce AMD risk.

Protect Your Eyes: Sunglasses with UV protection and a hat when outdoors helps protect eyes from direct sunlight.

Use Good Lighting: Adjust lighting to prevent strain on the eyes that may further lead to damage.

Visual Aids: Use visual aids such as magnifying glasses or lenses to enhance visual clarity.

Sound Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep to allow body and eyes to recharge because a healthy body has healthy eyes.

Prevention Tips:

• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other health issues that may lead to eye disorders.
• Know your family history and inform your eye doctor about it to help assess your risk of getting eye disease.
• Never overlook the importance of regular exams to diagnose eye diseases at an early stage for timely intervention and effective treatment.

By managing AMD through early diagnosis and correct treatment options with the help of capable doctors, implementing lifestyle changes and following prevention tips, you can reduce the risk of vision loss and protect your eye health.

EDO Eye Hospital Together with you against AMD:

We understand the importance of eyesight for a normal lifestyle. This is why at EDO Eye Hospital we are dedicated to providing top notch treatment options and advanced eye tests with exceptional care. Patient-friendly staff and expert ophthalmologists strive day and night to preserve vision. Our motive is to make the best eye care treatment accessible for everyone, that is why we offer free treatment and diagnosis to deserving people. Take a step forward with EDO Eye Hospital towards a brighter future with healthy eyes.