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Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Early detection can help you guard against age-related macular degeneration.

The longer you live, the greater your chances of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in Americans over age 60.

Macular degeneration is a disorder caused by the deterioration of the center of the retina called the macula. The macula is responsible for our most detailed vision. Macular degeneration can make it difficult for us to read, drive, see objects in detail or perform other activities that require sharp central vision.

The macula, a tiny spot of light-sensitive cells in the center of the retina, is responsible for our central vision. AMD occurs when these cells malfunction causing such symptoms as:

• blurred vision and distortion
• difficulty reading and driving
• difficulty recognizing faces
• a blind spot in the center of vision

Macular degeneration is painless and may develop slowly, so many people have it for years without knowing it.

Different Forms of AMD

The most common form of the disease is dry AMD, which occurs when the cells in the macula deteriorate. While the loss of vision from dry AMD is usually mild, visual aids that magnify can be helpful. Dry AMD usually does not cause serious visual loss, but patients should be monitored to determine if and when it progresses to the less common but more serious form of the disease - wet AMD.

Wet AMD is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula that leak clear fluid and/or blood, producing a small blister. The blister causes the distortion or "blind spot" that interferes with vision. Up to 25 percent of those with wet AMD can be treated with lasers.

And as new technology becomes available, it is anticipated that many more patients with wet AMD will be candidates for laser therapy.

Watching Your Eye Health

You should have your eyes checked for AMD once as you enter your 50s and yearly after age 55. If you have AMD, you'll want to use the Amsler grid or other techniques to monitor your vision. It is particularly important for seniors to pay attention to any changes in their vision so that you can obtain medical help early when treatment is more successful.

Early detection is the key to treatment

Who is at Risk?

ARMD is a condition that affects men and women age 55 and older. Early signs of the disease include blurred or distorted vision, faded color vision, difficulty reading and recognizing faces and dark spots in the central line of vision. In addition to age, other risk factors include:

• gender - Women are more susceptible than men.
• race - People with blond hair, blue eyes and fair skin are more likely to develop AMD.
• smoking - Smokers have a higher risk than former smokers or people who never smoked.
• hypertension and diabetes - Circulation problems can affect blood flow to the blood vessels in the eyes and exacerbate AMD damage.
• heredity - The disease tends to run in families.

What Can You Do?

If you are age 55 or older, you should schedule a dilated screening examination. Early detection ensures that people at risk can be treated appropriately and that the more severe degeneration is found as quickly as possible. To set up an appointment, contact your ophthalmologist or eye care provider, or call the Inova Health System Physician Referral line at 703-750-8800.