Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss among people over the age of 50. According to global research, nearly 196 million people were affected by AMD in 2020, and this number is expected to rise to 288 million by 2040.
What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
AMD is an eye condition that damages the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. When the macula is damaged, the centre of your vision may appear blurred, distorted, or dark, making everyday activities like reading, driving, or recognising faces more difficult.
AMD usually does not lead to complete blindness, but the central vision loss can have a major impact on daily life.
Who is at Risk?
The biggest risk factor for AMD is age. However, other factors also increase the chances of developing the condition:
- Smoking: doubles the risk of AMD.
- Genetics: more than 20 genes have been linked to AMD. A family history increases your chances.
- Lifestyle factors: poor diet, lack of exercise, and high blood pressure may also contribute.
Stages of AMD
Early AMD
- Characterised by medium-sized drusen (yellow deposits under the retina).
- Often no symptoms at this stage.
- Over time, vision may lose sharpness, colours may fade, and glare sensitivity can increase.
Intermediate AMD
- Drusen become larger and may merge together.
- Pigment changes in the retina are visible.
- Some people may start experiencing mild vision loss, while others notice no symptoms.
Late AMD
At this stage, vision loss becomes significant due to damage to the macula. There are two main types:
- Geographic Atrophy (Dry AMD)
- Caused by the gradual breakdown of retinal cells.
- Leads to progressive central vision loss.
- Neovascular AMD (Wet AMD)
- Abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina.
- These vessels can leak fluid or blood, causing sudden and severe vision damage.
- Both types can occur in the same eye.
Diagnosis of AMD
Early AMD often has no visible symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are essential, especially for people over 50.
Eye specialists may use:
- Visual acuity testing
- Slit lamp examination
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
- Fluorescein & Indocyanine Green Angiography (FFA & ICGA)
Treatment & Management
- Early AMD: No specific treatment yet, but lifestyle changes (healthy diet, quitting smoking, protecting eyes from UV light) can help slow progression.
- Nutritional Supplements (AREDS Formula): High-dose vitamins and minerals (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, copper, beta-carotene, or lutein and zeaxanthin) have been proven to reduce the risk of progression in intermediate AMD.
- Wet AMD:
- The most effective treatment is Anti-VEGF injections, which block abnormal blood vessel growth and prevent further vision loss.
- Multiple injections are usually required, and early treatment offers the best results.
- Laser therapy may be used in select cases.
Living with AMD
Having AMD in one eye may not affect daily vision immediately, but it significantly increases the risk of AMD in the other eye. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to preserving vision.
👁 Key Takeaways
- AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50.
- Early detection through routine eye exams is critical.
- Lifestyle changes and timely treatments can slow progression.
- Anti-VEGF injections are currently the most effective treatment for Wet AMD.
✨ At Eyemastr, we believe that awareness is the first step to protecting your vision. If you are over 50 or have risk factors such as smoking or family history, schedule a comprehensive eye exam today to safeguard your eye health.
