Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a problem with your retina. It happens when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged.
With AMD you lose your central vision. You cannot see fine line details, whether you are looking at something close or far. But your peripheral (side) vision will still be normal. For instance, imagine you are looking at a clock with hands. With AMD, you might see the clock’s numbers but not the hands.
Nearly 2 million Americans have advanced AMD, a leading cause of vision loss in the United States. This number is projected to more than double over the next 2 decades. AMD is very common, and is the leading cause of vision loss in people 50 years or older.
Who is at risk for AMD?
Anyone can develop AMD, but you are more likely to develop AMD if you:
- Eat a diet high in saturated fat
- Are overweight
- Smoke cigarettes
- Have hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Have a family history of AMD
- Are over 50 years of age
- Have heart disease
- Have high cholesterol
Targeted therapies may one day be available for AMD based on individual’s genes and lifestyle. For now, there are several preventative steps people can take to lower their chances of developing AMD.
- Getting regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist
- Eating a well-balanced diet
- Get enough exercise
- Quit smoking
If you have AMD, existing treatments, including vitamin supplements and medications, can be very effective.
CONTENT PROVIDED BY AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
