Macular Degeneration: Causes, Types, Symptoms and Treatment
Macular degeneration risk grows with age, major cause of vision loss
Macular degeneration risk grows with age, major cause of vision loss
Gradual vision changes as we get older may seem like a fact of life. Perhaps you need a stronger prescription or find yourself perusing readers on sale at your local pharmacy.
But a change in vision, such as seeing blurry spots or distorted vision, can be a symptom of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that damages the macula, a part of the retina, and is the leading cause of severe vision loss in older adults.
Dry vs. wet macular degeneration
There are two types of AMD, dry and wet. Dry AMD is more common and affects roughly 19.8 million — or 12.6% — of Americans 40 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s caused by the gradual breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the macula and the buildup of byproducts of metabolic activity, called drusen, under the retina.
Dry AMD can lead to distortion and eventual decline in a patient’s central vision, though in many cases, vision can remain stable for years.
“Dry age-related macular degeneration is a very common condition. The typical age of onset is around a patient’s 70s, though it can be earlier or later,” says Richard Lin, MD, an ophthalmologist at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines and Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo. “Early on, patients might not have any noticeable symptoms and still have very good vision. Often, it’s found on a routine eye exam.”
Treatment options for wet AMD
Wet AMD is more severe and can cause rapid vision loss, a blind spot or changes —such as wavy lines — to the central field of vision. “Wet” refers to the cause: abnormal blood vessels that develop under the retina and leak blood or fluid.
“Wet macular degeneration happens in about 15% of cases of macular degeneration. Blood or fluid leakage from abnormal blood vessels causes a distortion in the shape of the retina or elevation under the retina,” says Dr. Lin. “That can cause more rapid loss of vision than dry macular degeneration, usually over the course of weeks or months.”
Scripps’ ophthalmology team has extensive knowledge and skill to treat complex vision issues. Though wet AMD can’t be cured, there are several treatment options that can slow its progression or temporarily stop it from advancing.
Tips for protecting eye health
There are also steps you can take to keep your eyes healthy at any age. A diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and antioxidants can be protective, as can over-the-counter supplements that contain vitamins C and E, zinc, copper and lutein, says Dr. Lin.
Smoking increases a person’s risk for age-related macular degeneration — and many other conditions — so cutting out tobacco products also helps.
Why early detection matters
Perhaps most pertinent to eye health are regular eye exams.
“Routine checks are important because you can develop macular degeneration or another age-related eye condition and may be asymptomatic at first,” Dr. Lin says. “So, the only way to really know if you have those is if you’re getting your eyes checked. Early detection is key.”
This content appeared in San Diego Health, a publication in partnership between Scripps and San Diego Magazine that celebrates the healthy spirit of San Diego.