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Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is an eye condition that effects people all over the world. It is a fairly common cause of visual impairment among individuals who are aged 60+.
When the disease progresses, it causes the macular in our eye to lose some of its ability to function properly.
By Able Health I Medically reviewed by Dr. Alireza Estedlal
Page last reviewed: February 2024 I Next review due: February 2026
Our eyes have many parts that work together to enable us to see clearly.
There are two primary types of macular degeneration: dry and wet.
Most people with macular degeneration have the dry form. This occurs due to deposits called Drusen around the macula, which dry and thin the macula. It occurs gradually, and in some cases, people don’t lose their vision completely.
Wet Macular Degeneration occurs when blood vessels develop under the macula and retina. The blood vessels leak fluid and blood. In this case, people can see dark spots in the centre of their vision. This needs quick medical attention or can lead to significant vision loss in the centre the eye if left untreated.
The macular sends images from the eye’s optic nerve to the brain. If the macular is decayed, the brain can’t understand the pictures that the eyes see. Many people don’t get symptoms until the disease progresses.
Macular degeneration has environmental and genetic risk factors. Some people are genetically predisposed to develop it, and others are affected by environmental factors and lifestyle choices.
Research has shown that certain genes are associated with the risk of developing this condition.
Environmental factors can play a significant role in developing vision loss. These include UV rays or blue lights from electronic devices, unhealthy diet, smoking, and lack of physical exercise.
Age - This is the primary risk factor for macular degeneration. 50% of the people have macular degeneration are over 50 years old
Gender- Females tend to have a higher risk of macular degeneration.
High Blood Pressure - High blood pressure can be another reason for this. If you have high blood pressure, it restricts the amount of oxygen in your eyes. It raises the risks for macular degeneration.
An annual eye examination is a crucial step in preventing macular degeneration. By detecting the disease early, your provider can start treatments when they are most effective, giving you the power to protect your vision.
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You can make these lifestyle changes to lower the risk of macular degeneration:
Though there is no treatment for AMD, several options are there to manage this condition and slow its progression. The treatment method will depend on the kind and stage of AMD.
Anti-VEGF injections: These are commonly used for treating wet AMD. The injections block the growth of unusual blood vessels and lessen leakage, preventing further damage to the macular and protect vision.
Laser therapy: It may be used in certain cases of wet AMD to seal leakage in blood vessels. Photodynamic therapy is another treatment option which involves injecting a light-sensitive drug into the bloodstream. It can be activated by means of a laser to damage abnormal blood vessels.
There are cases when vitamins and supplements can be suggested to slow down the progression of dry AMD. These supplements usually contain antioxidant vitamins and zinc.
Vision aids and increasing brightness of lighting can help individuals read, write, and perform regular activities. However, support from their friends, family, and healthcare professionals is imperative. This support is essential to coping with the frustration, anxiety, and sadness that can arise from losing vision.
It is crucial to take care of your eyes. To protect your vision and maintain your eye health, schedule an eye exam to monitor your eye’s health and diagnose macular degeneration early.