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| Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) |
What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?   Normal Vision Macular DegenerationAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. AMD causes no pain. In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older. Age-related macular degeneration affects 25 to 30 million people worldwide. Where is the macula? The macula is located in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina instantly converts light, or an image, into electrical impulses. The retina then sends these impulses, or nerve signals, to the brain.  The macula is located in the centre of the retina, at the back of the eye. It processes the images our brain translates into central vision. The size of a pea, the macula helps to see sharp detail, such as a freckle on a nose. As our eyes get older, the membrane separating the macula from retinal blood vessels can weaken, depriving the macula of nourishment. When the macula degenerates, so too does central vision. AMD can seriously affect one's central vision in just a few months or over the course of several years. In severe cases, scar tissue from leaky blood vessels can cause irreversible blind spots. Note that AMD will never cause total blindness since peripheral vision remains unaffected. People with AMD may see the color of someone's shirt, but not his face. They might spot a small coin on the floor as they walk through a room but cannot read the clock on the wall. While no two individuals with AMD experience exactly the same degree of vision loss, brighter light and sharp contrast in color can make objects more visible to anyone with the condition. There are two forms of AMD: The dry form, which is the most common, and the wet form, which is less common but causes more severe and sudden sight loss. With dry AMD, varying degrees of sight loss are caused by deposits of drusen (age spots) that form in the macula. Wet AMD results from abnormal blood vessels forming and leaking into the macula. The cause and cure for AMD are unknown. However, treatments are available in a small percentage of cases. Possible risk factors for the condition include smoking, genetics, hypertension, sun exposure, far-sightedness, light skin or eye color, and poor diet. What are the symptoms? In the early stages your central vision may be blurred or distorted with things looking an unusual size or shape. This may happen quickly or develop over several months. You may be very sensitive to light or actually see lights that are not there. This may cause some discomfort occasionally but otherwise macular degeneration is not painful. < Back |
