January 2025 Newsletter: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Carisa Gorpas
Apr 14
2 min read

Updated: Jun 30

As you age, macular degeneration will make reading, recognizing faces, and watching TV significantly more difficult. AMD does not cause total blindness, but it affects your central vision, the most important part of your sight. That’s the area responsible for seeing fine detail, color, and sharpness. AMD usually comes on slowly, but its effects will be obvious if left untreated.

What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

AMD is a condition that damages the macula, the small central part of the retina at the back of the eye. The retina’s job is to turn light into signals your brain can understand, and the macula is the part that handles sharp central vision. As the name suggests, AMD becomes more common as people age. It typically affects people over 50 and is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults.

Types of AMD

There are two main types of AMD:

Dry AMD is the more common form. It happens when the macula slowly breaks down over time. Vision changes tend to be gradual.
Wet AMD is less common but more serious. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood. This type can cause more sudden vision loss.

Dry AMD can sometimes turn into the wet form, so regular monitoring is important even if the early signs seem mild.

What Causes It?

While no one knows exactly why AMD develops, certain factors increase the risk:

Aging — especially over age 60
Family history of AMD
Smoking
High blood pressure or cardiovascular disease
Poor diet, especially one low in antioxidants
Prolonged exposure to UV light or blue light without protection

Sometimes AMD runs in families, and lifestyle choices can play a big role in how fast it progresses.

What Are the Symptoms?

AMD doesn’t usually affect peripheral vision, so total blindness doesn’t happen. But the symptoms it does cause can still be life-changing:

Blurry or fuzzy central vision
Difficulty seeing in low light
Colors looking faded or less vibrant
Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted
A dark or empty spot in the center of your vision

Can It Be Treated?

While there aren't any cures for AMD, there are treatments that slow down macular degeneration.

For dry AMD, doctors often recommend a specific mix of vitamins and minerals called AREDS2 supplements. These can help reduce the risk of severe vision loss in some people.
For wet AMD, there are treatments like anti-VEGF injections that stop new blood vessels from forming and leaking. These can sometimes improve vision or at least prevent it from getting worse.
Regular eye exams are key to catching AMD early and keeping an eye on any changes.
Lifestyle changes (like quitting smoking, eating a nutrient-rich diet, protecting your eyes from UV light, and managing blood pressure) can also make a big difference.

Living With AMD

Even though AMD affects central vision, many people continue to live independently with the help of vision aids, lighting adjustments, large-print reading materials, and technology tools designed for low vision. Staying informed, staying proactive, and working closely with an eye care provider can help you protect your sight and your quality of life for years to come!