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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a problem with your retina. It happens when a part of retina called the macula( centre of the retina) is damaged.
AMD is very common. It is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 years or older.
You are more likely to develop AMD if you :
This form is quite common. About 80% (8 out of 10) of 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.
People with dry AMD may have drusen, pigment abnormalities, or geographic atrophy (an area of cell loss in the retina). Patients slowly lose central vision.
This form is less common but much more serious. Wet AMD is when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula. These vessels may leak blood or other fluids, causing swelling and bleeding of the macula. Patients 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 a retina specialist. They can look for early signs of AMD before you have any vision problems.
Distorted (wavy or bent) vision, letter jumping or moving while reading, difficulty recognizing faces are few of the most common difficulties faced by the patient.
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.
There is no definitive treatment for drusen.
Although, nutritional supplements (AREDS 2)can delay progression of the disease.
Dark leafy greens, yellow fruits and vegetables, fish, and a balanced, nutrient-rich diet have been shown beneficial for people with AMD.
To help treat wet AMD, there are medications called anti-VEGF drugs. Intra-vitreal Anti-VEGF injection helps reduce the number of abnormal blood vessels in your retina. These injections are Eylea, Pagenax, accentrix, Razumab, Ranizurel etc.
OCT scan helps to monitor the macular swelling in wet Amd patient after INTRAVITREAl anti-VEGF injections.
Laser surgery may also be used to treat some types of wet AMD which are associated with macular edema.
If you have AMD, you can learn how to make the most of your vision. Often you can still do many of your favorite things with special low vision tools. These can include different kinds of magnifying tools, handheld computers, electronic items and more.
AMD causes your vision to change over time or in case of recurrence of swelling in macula. You may not notice these changes when they happen. But you need to catch vision changes as soon as possible. Treating them early can help slow or stop further loss of sight.
You should use an Amsler grid every day to monitor your vision. One is below for you to use.
Here is how to use the Amsler grid:
Call your ophthalmologist right away if you notice that any lines or parts of the grid look wavy, blurry, or di
This is what an Amsler grid might look like with blurry, wavy lines, or dim areas.
Dr. Shrutika Junagade Kankariya, (MBBS, DNB, FICO, Fellow Retina and Diabetes Eye Disease) is an advanced medical retina, diabetic eye disease and cataract expert. She completed her medical college training from prestigious and one of the best medical college in India, Seth GS medical college and KEM hospital, Mumbai. She completed her ophthalmic education at one of the finest eye institute in Asia; Sankara Netralaya ,Chennai, under the aegis of diplomat of the national board (DNB). She has obtained FICO UK (Fellow international council of ophthalmology, united kingdom. Thereafter she underwent advanced fellowship in retinal disorders at sankara netralaya Chennai (Busiest center catering to referrals for retinal disorders from all over Asia).
