What is AMD

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the loss of central vision, effecting the macula, compromising sharp detailed images, which may included a blurred dark low vision spot, or cloud. Effecting the macula, (a part of the human eye positioned in the center of the retina, the light sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye responsible for converting light and images into electrical signals carried to the brain), AMD occurs in two forms, Wet and Dry AMD.

Dry AMD

As the light sensitive cells in the macula break down, central vision is compromised. Progressing over time, Dry AMD advances in stages. It is possible for Dry AMD to effect only on eye, however it is more common that both eyes experience the gradual loss of central vision. Indicating the early stages of AMD, the most common experienced symptom is blurred central vision. Images become less sharp and more light may be required for such tasks as reading. Other early signs cannot be detected without an eye care professional and a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Revealed in the eye exam, the presence of Drusen, yellow deposits under the retina, appear. Though the presence of Drusen does not usually cause vision loss, the presence of Drusen, factoring in the amount and size of the deposits, are an indication of early AMD, or the potential risk of developing AMD.

Stages of Dry AMD

  1. Early AMD Generally in the early stage of Dry AMD, there are no noticeable symptoms to the individual, any vision loss or pain to indicate the development of AMD. Revealed only during the dilated eye exam, individuals with early AMD will have multiple small drusen, a few mid size drusen, or one large drusen.
  2. Intermediate AMDDuring the intermediate stage of AMD, people may experience the need for more light for activities such as reading and performing daily tasks. Blurred central vision is experienced by some while the amount of drusen and the size of the drusen present, increases. At this stage, there may be several medium‐sized drusen, or there may be one or more large drusen.
  3. Advanced Dry AMD‐ People with advanced dry AMD have both the presence of drusen and the breaking down of the light sensitive cells and tissues located in the center of the retina. This breaking down of cells and tissues may result in a blurred spot of central vision. This spot my grown over time and darken as well.

Wet AMD

Also known as Advanced AMD, is the less common form of AMD. Unlike dry AMD, wet AMD does not develop in stages. Central loss of vision occurs rapidly as abnormal blood vessels form behind the eye, fragile and newly formed, these vessels leak blood ad fluid, resulting in the rise or incorrect positioning of the macula. The damage to the eye and to vision occurs quickly. At first, individuals may experience straight lines appearing wavy. Should your vision quickly deteriorate or should you experience wavy lines, immediately contact an eye care specialist for a dilated eye exam.