VISION HEALTH DIFFICULTY SEEING THE FINER DETAILS?

By Connie Byers

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over 50. As we work our way through Healthy Vision Month, let’s take a closer look at the disease. AMD rarely causes complete blindness; it does, however, affect central vision and, with it, the ability to see fine details.

AMD occurs when there is damage to a portion of the retina called the macula. The macula is the part of the eye that controls sharp, central vision. Losing your central sight can be debilitating, making it harder to read, drive or even make out faces. AMD will worsen as you age, and in its earliest stages, there may be no signs or symptoms of the disease.

AMD is a progressive disease that happens in three stages: early, intermediate and late.

The symptoms of AMD will depend on the stage. During the earliest stages, you may not be aware of the disease. The most common early sign of AMD is the presence of drusen — tiny yellow deposits in the retina. These deposits will be visible to your doctor during an eye exam.

In intermediate AMD, mild symptoms may present, such as blurriness, dark spots in the central vision, or difficulty seeing in low lighting. During latestage AMD, symptoms will increase, creating a distinctly blurry area in the central vision, “blank” spots, and straight lines may start to look wavy or crooked. It’s possible to have difficulty recognizing familiar faces. Some patients also report that colors seem less vibrant in this stage.

• QUIT SMOKING

— OR DON’T START

• GET REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD (Atrophic AMD) is the most common form. It is caused by the thinning, breakdown and eventual atrophy, of the light-processing cells of the macula as a person ages. Generally, this form of the disease progresses gradually, one eye at a time. There is no treatment for dry AMD. However, steps can be taken to preserve the remaining vision.

Wet AMD (Advanced Neovascular AMD) is less common. It happens when abnormal or unstable blood vessels start to grow beneath the retina, leaking fluid and blood, damaging the macula, and creating a large blind spot in the center of the visual field. This form of the disease usually progresses faster, leading to more severe vision loss. The good news is that treatment options are available for wet AMD.

While your risk for AMD increases as you get older, there are some healthy choices you can make to reduce your risks.

• MAINTAIN HEALTHY BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

• EAT HEALTHY FOODS, INCLUDING DARK LEAFY GREENS AND FISH

• TAKE VITAMIN C, VITAMIN E, ZINC, BETA-CAROTENE,

Age-related macular degeneration is known to be a hereditary condition, and people with a family history of AMD are at higher risk. Telling your eye doctor about your family history and getting regular eye exams can help to diagnose the disease early when treatments can be most effective.