What is AMD?
Aged- related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that blurs your central vision. It is mainly caused by aging.
Types and Stages of AMD
- Dry AMD: Early, intermediate and late stages
- Wet AMD: Usually causes faster vision loss. Any stage of dry AMD can turn into wet AMD. Wet AMD is always late stage. It happens when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye and damage the macula.
Symptoms of AMD
- Early dry AMD - most people do not have any symptoms.
- Intermediate dry AMD - some people still have no symptoms. Some may notice mild symptoms, such as mild blurriness in their central vision or trouble seeing in low lighting.
- Late AMD (wet or dry type) - many people notice that straight lines start to look wavy or crooked. You may also notice a blurry area near the center of your vision. This blurry area may get bigger or you may see blank spots. Colour perception may also be affected, and you may have more trouble seeing in dim lighting.
Straight lines looking wavy is a warning sign for late AMD. If you notice this symptom, see your eye doctor right away.
Risks of AMD
- Age over 55 years old
- Smoke
- Have a family history of AMD
Lowering the risks of AMD
- Quit smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Eat foods such as leafy greens and fish
Treatment for AMD?
There is currently no treatment for dry AMD, but there are studies that proved some supplements can help slow down the development of AMD.
For wet AMD, there are two treatment options available.
Anti-VEGF injections - injected into the eye to prevent growth of new abnormal blood vessels
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) - a combination of lasers and injections
Regular eye examinations are required to monitor the progression of condition.