Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among people age 50 and older.AMD is a disease of eye in which macula of eye is deteriorated. The macula is the part of the retina that is responsible for central vision, allowing tosee fine details clearly and sharply, any disorder as is the case of AMD causes blurring of central vision. Over time, the blurred area grows larger prompting the growth of blank spots in your central vision. Objects also appear to seem less bright as they used to be before AMD.

The macula

The macula is an oval-shaped, yellow coloured spot near the center of the retina,this yellow colourof macula absorbs excess blue and ultraviolet light entering the eye, thus actas a natural sunblock. The macula comprises of millions of light-sensing cells that sense the light and provide sharp, central vision. The mechanism of image formation begins with the retina turning the light into electrical signals; sending them to brain through optic nerves, where they are translated into the images we see. When the macula is damaged, the center of the view may appear blurry, distorted, or dark as shown in the picture.

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There are two types of macular degeneration :Dry macular degeneration and Wet macular degeneration-

1. Dry or atrophic macular degeneration

Most AMD exist in the dry form. This condition is caused by thinning of the macula tissues. Dry macular degeneration is onset with formation of tiny yellow or white pieces of fatty protein called drusen under the retina. This leads to thinning of macula. People affected with dry macular degeneration may not observe any influence in the central vision because the vision loss occurs gradually.

2. Wet or exudative macular degeneration

About 10 percent of people who have macular degeneration have the wet form, it is caused by exacerbation of dry macular degeneration and is relatively more disastrous to the central or detail vision.Vision loss from this form is more noticeable and faster if compared with dry macular degeneration.Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow underneath the retina. These new blood vessels may leak fluid or blood distorting the central vision.

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What are the stages of AMD?

There are three stages of AMD depending upon the number and size of protein drusen.

How your AMD could be detected?

The early and intermediate stages of AMD usually start without symptoms. Only a dilated eye exam which is a golden standard test can detect your AMD. The ophthalmologist places medicated eye drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils and study it using a special magnifying lens. Sometimes test may be accompanied by fluorescent dye (Fluorescein angiogram). A harmless fluorescent dye is injected into your arm, dye travels to blood vessels in your eye making it possible to see leaking blood vessels and also it confirms the presence of drusen protein and pigment cell, if any. However Amsler grid chart can be used to detect any anomaly in central vision. Changes in your central vision may cause the lines in the grid to disappear or appear wavy, a sign of AMD.Dry macular degeneration is tested byAmsler grid.

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How to use Amsler Grid chart?

Hold the grid 12 to 15 inches away from your face in good light. Cover one eye with hand. Look directly at the center dot there in chart with the uncovered eye and keep looking at it. While looking directly at the center dot, note whether all lines of the grid are straight or if any areas are distorted, blurry or dark. Repeat this procedure with the other eye. If you see any wavy, blurred or bleak pattern, you are required to see your ophthalmologist.

Who are more likely to be affected?

• Age related AMD- Age is a major risk factor for AMD. The disease is most likely to occur after age 60.
• Lifestyle related AMD- Researchers have found links between AMD and some lifestyle choices, such as smoking, non-balanced diet, not doing any exercises.
• Other diseases acting as precursor– High blood pressure and high cholesterol level is also a cause of AMD.
• Race. AMD is more common among Caucasians than among African-Americans or Hispanics/Latinos.
• Family history. People with a family history of AMD are at higher risk.

Severity and persistence

AMD generally exhibits few or almost no symptoms in the early stages, so it is important to have your eyes examined regularly. Not everyone with early AMD will develop late AMD that is complete loss of central vision.

• Early AMD in one eye: Having early AMD in one eye means about 5 percent developing late AMD after 10 years.
• Early AMD in both eyes: Having early AMD in both eyes means about 14 percent developing late AMD after 10 years.
• Late AMD in one eye: Having late AMD in one eye only still gives you a feel of wellness and will not affect vision much. With the other eye seeing clearly, you may still be able to drive, read, and see fine details. Having late AMD in one eye means you are at increased risk for late AMD in your other eye.
• Late AMD in two eyes: Complete loss of central vision happens.

How is AMD treated?

Early AMD

Early AMD does not show the symptoms or loss of vision therefore no treatment exists for early AMD. However a dilated eye exam can be carried out to determine if your condition is advancing.

Intermediate and late AMD

Researchers suggest that daily intake of certain high-dose vitamins and minerals can slow progression of the disease in people who have intermediate AMD, and those who have late AMD in one eye. The diet including combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids zinc, and copper can reduce the risk of late AMD by 25 percent.

Advanced AMD

Advanced AMD typically results in severe vision loss. However, eye care professionals can try different therapies to stop further vision loss.

• Injections: Anti-VEGF drugs are directly injected into eyes.This hinders the secretion of protein VEGF that promotes the growth of new abnormal blood vessels. Anti-VEGF injection therapy blocks this growth.
• Verteporfin drug: This drug is injected into the vein in your arm. This drug closes off the new blood vessels, slows their growth, and slows the rate of vision loss.
• Laser surgery: This is the less common form of treatment and rarely performed because laser treatment also may destroy some surrounding healthy tissues also.

The most important thing to cope with AMD is to stay positive. People who remain hopeful say they are better able to cope with AMD and vision loss. Stay engaged with family and friends. Seek a professional counselor or support group.

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