Macular Degeneration: AMD

Learn about wet and dry AMD, macular degeneration. Recognize the symptoms, what are the risk factors and how to care for your eyes besides taking vitamins.

At EyeDefense Vitamins we are not only dedicated to providing you with products sourced from the finest quality ingredients. We also provide you with the latest updates and scientific breakthroughs concerning eyes. 

Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration or Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disorder among people over 60 years old. AMD can be divided into 3 stages: early, intermediate and advanced. AMD is additionally divided into dry AMD and wet AMD, with the dry form making up 90% of cases (10% of people with dry AMD will eventually develop wet AMD).

In dry AMD tiny yellow or white material builds up between the retina and the choroid. Dry AMD develops gradually over years.

In wet AMD blood vessels cause fluid to leak under the retina. Wet AMD can cause a very suddenly change in vision and can result in serious vision loss.

Dry AMD

In dry AMD the macula develops scars that are called “drusen”. They appear as little white spots under the retina. There can also be macular scarring (“pigment”) and macular atrophy (loss of tissue).

The macula is the part of the retina in the back of the eye that the light is focused on. The “cones” of the retina are concentrated in the macula and give the clearest vison and the best color vision. That is why dry AMD affects the central vision and not our peripheral vision. Dry AMD has nothing to do with dry eyes, it just means not wet AMD.

Dry AMD usually develops gradually over years and without pain. It is generally diagnosed in both eyes at the same time.

Wet AMD

In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels start growing up under the macula from the choroid that can cause distortion of the vision or can leak, break or bleed. These abnormal blood vessels are called “choroidal neovascularization” (CNV). When a person has dry AMD, the choroid sometimes reacts by growing these abnormal vessels. So it is important to note that wet AMD always starts from dry AMD!

Eye injections will frequently be necessary if this process starts to occur in the choroid. The patient may know that they have CNV if they develop distortion or blurred vision. Sometimes it is the eye doctor that notes the CNV when they look in the back of the eye or perform tests in the office.

Wet AMD usually develops very suddenly and can worsen quickly. It can start in just one eye or both eyes at the same time.

Symptoms

Both dry and wet AMD affect the central vision and the symptoms can be very similar. Although only 10% of people with dry AMD develop wet AMD it is important that you visit your eye doctor regularly when you have dry AMD so that your eye doctor can detect wet AMD, if it occurs, in it's early stages.

Symptoms of AMD include:

- You may start finding it difficult to adapt when going from bright environments to dark environments

- Colors may fade

- Straight lines may start appearing distorted or bent

- Blurry or dark spots may appear in your central vision

We will talk more about the Amsler Grid in a dedicated section, but this grid can be used to detect early onset of dry AMD at home and keep track of the progression. Again, wet AMD can only definitively be detected by an eye doctor with special equipment.

Risk Factors

Age: AMD is generally diagnosed in people 60 years and older.

Race: Caucasian people are more likely to get AMD.

Family History: There are several genes that are linked to AMD.

Tobacco Consumption: Smoking or being regularly exposed to smoke greatly increases your risk of AMD.

High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Cardiovascular disease can increase your risk of AMD.

Nutrition and Care

Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. The AREDS 2 study conducted by the National Eye Institute (NEI) has shown that an adequate intake of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Lutein and Zeaxanthin may reduce the risk of dry AMD. Although not to be considered a replacement for a healthy diet, all these vitamins and minerals can be found in MacularControl Essential.

Don't smoke / Stop smoking. Smokers or being regularly exposed to smoke greatly increases your risk of AMD.

Take your prescribed medications. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, take your prescribed medications and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.