1300 164 990
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Types, Cause, Symptoms, and Treatment
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is an eye disease that causes a loss of central vision. There are two types of age-related macular degeneration; dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) and wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). Dry AMD is the most common form of AMD and is caused by age-related damage to the macula. Wet AMD is the less common, more severe type of AMD, that occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the eye, leading to damage to the macula. The symptoms of age-related macular degeneration are dependent upon how developed the condition is and which type a person has, but generally include dark patches in central vision, blurred central vision, straight lines appearing wavy and difficulty distinguishing faces. Treatment for age-related macular degeneration is dependent on how far the condition has progressed and what type of macular degeneration is occurring. There is no effective treatment for early-stage dry macular degeneration. For more advanced AMD and for wet AMD, treatment focuses on preserving vision and can include eating eye-healthy foods, AREDS2 supplements, photodynamic therapy (PDT), laser photocoagulation therapy and eye injections.
What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is an eye disease that affects central vision. Age-related macular degeneration is caused by damage to the cells in the macular according to Health Direct. Age-related macular degeneration may lead to blurred central vision, dark spots in central vision and difficulty recognising faces. There are two types of age-related macular degeneration; wet macular degeneration and dry macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration is caused by damage to the macula, whereas wet macular degeneration is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
What Part of the Eye Does AMD Affect?
The part of the eye that is affected by age-related macular degeneration is the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina which is the light-sensitive part at the back of the eye that converts light into electrical signals, that then get sent to the brain. The macula is located in the centre of the retina and is responsible for central vision according to the Cleveland Clinic. Age-related macular degeneration is a disease that damages the cells in the macula, according to Health Direct, which leads to a loss of central vision.
Does Age-Related Macular Degeneration Affect Both Eyes?
Age-related macular degeneration typically affects both eyes. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, age-related macular degeneration will generally occur in both eyes. If it only occurs in one, the other eye may compensate for the troubled eye, and symptoms may not be as obvious.
What are the Types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
The two types of age-related macular degeneration are wet macular degeneration and dry macular degeneration. Wet age-related macular degeneration is the less common and more severe form of AMD, caused by the growth of abnormal growth vessels in the macula. Dry age-related macular degeneration is the more common form of age-related macular degeneration, caused by age-related damage to the macula.
Wet AMD (Advanced Neovascular AMD)
Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the less common type of AMD that occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the eye, leading to damage in the macula. Wet macular degeneration is considered serious as it can cause fast loss of vision. If you have symptoms of wet macular degeneration it is important to see an eye care professional as soon as possible. Wet AMD, also known as advanced neovascular AMD, is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye which can leak and damage the light-sensitive cells in the macula, according to the Better Health Channel. The symptoms of wet AMD can include blurred central vision or a dark spot in central vision. One of the key signs of wet macular degeneration is straight lines looking wavy. Treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration includes medication and laser photocoagulation, in which the blood vessels are sealed to stop bleeding, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Dry AMD (Atrophic AMD)
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form of AMD caused by age-related damage to the macula. Dry macular degeneration, also known as atrophic age-related macular degeneration, progresses slowly and causes a gradual loss of central vision. Dry macular generation is caused by damage or loss of cells in the retina, according to Health Direct. Early stages of dry macular degeneration may have no symptoms. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include blurred vision or trouble seeing in low lighting, according to the National Eye Institute. Symptoms in late-stage dry macular degeneration may include vision distortion such as straight lines looking wavy. According to the NHS, there is no treatment for early, dry macular degeneration. However, vision aids may be used to help a person see better if the condition affects central vision.
What Causes Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
The cause of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is dependent upon the type. Dry macular degeneration is caused by age-related damage to the cells in the retina or loss of cells in the retina. Wet macular degeneration is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the back of the eye that can leak and damage the macula.
Who is at Risk of Having Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Those at most risk of having age-related macular degeneration are people 50 and over. As a person ages, the macula changes, along with the rest of the eye and the body in general. According to Ehrlich R, et, al. in the article Age-related macular degeneration and the aging eye, structural and blood flow changes as a person ages can predispose them to age-related macular degeneration. According to the Lions Eye Institute, other factors that increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration include a family history of AMD, smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
How to Lower the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
The ways to lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration revolve around living a healthy and balanced lifestyle, including not smoking, lowering cholesterol, exercising regularly and getting eye tests. Smoking and high cholesterol are two of the biggest risk factors for developing AMD, so a key factor in preventing the disease is to try and quit smoking, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly is a good way to maintain good overall health, including eye health, which can help prevent the onset of many eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration. It is also important to have regular eye tests with an optometrist so they can keep on top of eye health and detect any signs of macular degeneration early on. At Oscar Wylee, eye tests are bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders.
How Prevalent is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most prevalent eye diseases among those over 50 years of age. According to Vyawahare H and Shinde P. in the paper, Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment, age-related macular degeneration affects 1 in 8 people over the age of 60 years old, and is a leading cause of blindness in developed countries for older generations.
Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration a Common Eye Problem?
Yes, age-related macular degeneration is a common eye problem for those aged 50 years and over. According to a 2019 document by the Australian Government’s Department of Health, over 1.7 million Australians have some evidence of age-related macular degeneration, making it one of the most common eye problems among older Australians.
What are the Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
The symptoms of age-related macular degeneration include a dark patch in central vision, blurred central vision, straight lines appearing wavy and difficulty distinguishing faces. Early-stage dry macular degeneration may not have many symptoms, or the symptoms may be mild and develop over time. In the case of wet macular degeneration, symptoms tend to come on quickly and require immediate attention from an optometrist. The possible symptoms of age-related macular degeneration are listed below.
- A dark patch in central vision: A dark patch in central vision can be a symptom of age-related macular degeneration, caused by damage to the macula.
- Blurred central vision: Blurred central vision is a common symptom of age-related macular degeneration due to images not being received as normal, by the damaged macula.
- Straight lines appear wavy: Straight lines that appear wavy can indicate age-related macular degeneration.
- Difficulty distinguishing faces: Difficulty distinguishing faces is a possible symptom of age-related macular degeneration, caused by the deterioration of central vision.
1. A Dark Patch in Central Vision
A dark patch in the centre of a person’s vision can be a sign of age-related macular degeneration. A dark patch in central vision describes an area that is a lot darker than the rest of the field of vision. It may not be completely black. The image below shows what a dark patch in the central vision may look like for someone who has age-related macular degeneration.
2. Blurred Central Vision
Blurred central vision is one of the most common symptoms of macular degeneration. Blurred central vision refers to your direct line of sight being blurred, meaning images are not sharp or clear. According to Yale Medicine, images are not received correctly by the macula when a person has age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to vision issues such as blurred vision. The image below shows what blurred central vision may look like for someone who has age-related macular degeneration.
3. Straight Lines Appear Wavy
Straight lines that appear wavy are a possible symptom of age-related macular degeneration. Straight lines appearing wavy refers to lines that are typically straight such as lines of text in a book, or the stripes on a pedestrian crossing, appearing distorted and curved. Straight lines appearing wavy can be a symptom of macular degeneration, especially in the later stages, and with wet AMD. If straight lines begin to suddenly look wavy, it is important to see an optometrist as soon as possible. The image below demonstrates what straight lines appearing wavy may look like for someone with age-related macular degeneration.
4. Difficulty Distinguishing Faces
Difficulty distinguishing faces can be a symptom of macular degeneration, caused by the deterioration of central vision. Difficulty distinguishing faces refers to a person having difficulty making out the features of a person’s face. The person may look blurred, or hazy. Difficulty distinguishing faces is caused by the deterioration of central vision that occurs when a person has macular degeneration. The disease may make it difficult for people to see clearly and focus on the facial features that help them distinguish a person. The image below shows what difficulty distinguishing faces may look like for a person with age-related macular degeneration.
How is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?
Age-related macular degeneration will be diagnosed by an eye care professional, such as an optometrist or an opthalmologist, during an eye test. Age-related macular degeneration may be diagnosed using eye tests such as an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan, a visual acuity test, an Amsler grid or a fluorescein angiogram, which is conducted by an ophthalmologistan, a visual acuity test, an Amsler grid or a fluorescein angiogram.
What are the Eye Tests Done to Diagnose Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
The eye tests that can be conducted by an eye care professional to diagnose age-related macular degeneration include an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan, a visual acuity test, an Amsler grid and a fluorescein angiogram. The eye tests that may be used to diagnose age-related macular degeneration are listed below.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan is a type of imaging tool in which a light and camera are used to produce images of the deeper structures of the eye, according to the Macular Disease Foundation of Australia. An OCT scan can be used to assess the macular and see if there are any abnormal blood vessels present that may cause wet AMD.
- Visual acuity test: A visual acuity test is an eye test that assesses how sharp and clear your vision is, using a letter chart such as a Snellen or Logmar chart. As macular degeneration can affect central vision, a visual acuity test can help assess if the condition is affecting the quality of sight.
- Amsler grid: An Amsler grid is a grid with a circle in the middle and can be used to detect vision problems related to macular degeneration. If a person has AMD, they may see straight lines as wavy for instance. If this is the case, the grid lines on an Amsler test will look wavy.
- Fluorescein angiogram: A fluorescein angiogram is a test in which dye is injected into the veins, which highlights abnormalities in the structure of the eyes. An imaging device is then used to take images of the eye. An angiogram can be used to help detect abnormalities in the retina or macular, such as the growth of blood vessels, that may cause age-related macular degeneration.
Which Eye Doctor Diagnoses Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
An optometrist or ophthalmologist are the eye care professionals who will diagnose age-related macular degeneration. In Australia, an eye doctor refers to an ophthalmologist, which is a medical doctor who has a specialisation in eye care. An optometrist is an eye care professional who provides primary vision care. Both an optometrist and ophthalmologist can diagnose age-related macular degeneration, as well as provide treatment for the condition, however, this is generally done by an optometrist first. A person may be referred to an opthalmologist if macular degeneration is advanced and requires specialised treatment.
How Serious is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Advanced age-related macular degeneration, or wet age-related macular degeneration, can be a serious eye condition as it may lead to severe and permanent central vision loss. According to John Hopkins Medicine, age-related macular degeneration will rarely cause total blindness. However, age-related macular degeneration can cause significant central vision loss that can reduce a person’s quality of life. Age-related macular degeneration can also cause vision issues such as blurriness, a dark patch in vision and can make straight lines appear wavy, all of which can affect a person’s quality of life and make it difficult to complete everyday tasks.
Does AMD Cause Blindness?
No, according to the National Eye Institute, age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), does not cause complete blindness, however, it can cause central vision loss. Losing central vision can be very disruptive to everyday life as it can make it difficult to see faces, drive, read or complete any other close-up tasks such as cooking. The probability of a person with AMD losing their central vision is dependent on the person and their symptoms will be managed with the help of an eye care professional.
Is Macular Degeneration Classed as a Disability?
Yes and no, whether macular degeneration is classed as a disability is dependent on the severity of the condition and how severely it affects a person’s eyesight. According to Medical News Today, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may be classed as a disability if it causes severe vision loss that interferes with or prevents a person from working. While AMD does not cause complete blindness, it can affect a person’s central vision which can be very disruptive.
What are the Treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
The treatments for age-related macular degeneration will depend on the stage of this eye condition and the type. According to the Better Health Channel, treatment generally focuses on preserving vision. There is no effective treatment for early, dry macular degeneration according to the National Eye Institute, however having a healthy, balanced diet, exercising and quitting smoking may help. Treatments for AMD include eating eye-healthy foods, AREDS 2 supplements, photodynamic therapy (PDT), laser photocoagulation therapy and eye injections. Age-related macular degeneration treatments and their definitions are listed below.
- Eat eye-healthy foods: Eating eye-healthy foods can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and also reduce the risk of developing this eye condition.
- AREDS 2 supplements: AREDS 2 Supplements can help to treat age-related macular degeneration by helping to slow down its progression in the intermediate stages.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT): Photodynamic therapy is a type of laser therapy that aims to treat wet age-related macular degeneration by sealing off abnormal blood vessels in the macula.
- Laser photocoagulation therapy: Laser coagulation therapy aims to help treat wet age-related macular degeneration by sealing abnormal blood vessels and preventing further vision loss.
- Eye injections: Eye injections are a type of treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration that stops the abnormal growth of blood vessels.
1. Eat Eye-Healthy Foods
Eating eye-healthy foods can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. There are certain vitamins that help to maintain eye health, which can in turn reduce the risk of developing eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. According to the Macular Degeneration Foundation, nutrition and diet are very important as they can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. The nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial for macular health include omega-3, which can be found in fish and shellfish, and lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants that you can consume in dark leafy greens including kale and spinach.
2. AREDS 2 Supplements
AREDS 2 supplements are a type of dietary supplement that may help to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), by slowing its progression in the intermediate stages. According to the National Eye Institute, AREDS 2 supplements may help slow down vision loss caused by age-related macular degeneration, depending on how far the condition has progressed. AREDS 2 supplements will not stop early AMD from developing into intermediate AMD but may help prevent intermediate AMD from progressing into late AMD.
3. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a type of laser treatment that helps to treat wet age-related macular degeneration by sealing abnormal blood vessels. Photodynamic therapy is a type of treatment in which a laser is used to activate a light-sensitive medicine. According to John Hopkins Medicine, the process of photodynamic therapy involves medicine being injected into the arm, which travels to the abnormal vessels in the macula. A laser is then shined into the eye that activates the medicine and creates clots in blood vessels which helps to seal them. The aim of this two-step treatment is to prevent the blood vessels from growing and reducing further vision loss. The eye is protected with a contact lens and anaesthetic eye drops.
4. Laser Photocoagulation Therapy
Laser photocoagulation therapy is a type of laser surgery that can be used in the treatment of wet macular degeneration by minimising the growth of abnormal blood vessels. According to the University of Rochester Medical Centre, laser photocoagulation involves a laser being directed to the abnormal blood vessels in the macula that cause wet AMD. This laser creates small burns that seal the blood vessels and can help prevent further vision loss. A person will be given an anaesthetic eye drop before the procedure for pain management.
5. Eye Injections
Eye injections are a type of treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration that stops the abnormal growth of blood vessels. According to BetterHealth Victoria, eye injections involve injecting a drug directly into the eye and are performed as an outpatient procedure meaning the patient will not have to stay overnight in the hospital. Regular eye injections can help prevent further eyesight loss caused by wet age-related macular degeneration.
Can Eyeglasses Help Protect the Eyes from Further Age-Related Macular Degeneration Damage?
Eyeglasses will not help to protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration or the damage it can cause to the eyes and vision. Eyeglasses are a type of eyewear that helps correct refractive issues such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism by helping light hit the retina properly. Age-related macular degeneration causes issues with central vision and can make vision blurry. Glasses may be used to help correct vision issues caused by age-related macular degeneration and help people see clearer. According to the American Academy of Opthalmology, it is recommended that people wear sunglasses to help protect the retina and macula from further damage by UV rays from the sun.