Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a problem with your retina. It happens when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged. With AMD you lose your central vision. You cannot see fine details, whether you are looking at something close or far. But your peripheral (side) vision will still be normal. For instance, imagine you are looking at a clock with hands. With AMD, you might see the clock’s numbers but not the hands.
Smoking, poor diet, a light complexion, excessive sun exposure, genetics, and most recently, evidence related to the visible blue light emitted from electronic devices such as smart phones, computers, tablets and energy efficient LED light bulbs are the most common risk factors associated with macular degeneration.
Many people don’t realize they have AMD until their vision is very blurry. This is why it is important to have regular visits to an ophthalmologist.
At eyeXam we evaluate you for Macular Degeneration and will recommend supplements or surgery depending on the severity of the disease.
Two types of AMD:
Dry AMD
This form is quite common. About 80% (8 out of 10) people who have AMD have the dry form. Dry AMD is when parts of the macula get thinner with age and tiny clumps of protein called drusen grow. You slowly lose central vision. There is no way to treat dry AMD yet.
Wet AMD
This form is less common but much more serious. Wet AMD is when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. These vessels may leak blood or other fluids, causing scarring of the macula. You lose vision faster with wet AMD than with dry AMD.
Many people don’t realize they have AMD until their vision is very blurry. This is why it is important to have regular visits to eyeXam. We evaluate for Macular Degeneration and will recommend supplements or surgery depending on the severity of the disease