Conditions Treated at Empire Eye Physicians

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is the leading cause of irreversible poor vision after age 60. AMD is a deterioration, or breakdown, of the macula. The macula is a small but important area at the center of the retina that allows us to see fine details clearly and perform activities, such as reading and driving.

Unfortunately, symptoms do not occur until vision loss has already happened. It is important to detect AMD before symptoms occur. Therefore, one should have an annual eye examination with dilation of the pupils if you are under the age of 60. After the age of 60, eye examinations should continue as directed by your eye care provider.

The visual symptoms of AMD involve loss of central vision. While peripheral (side) vision is usually unaffected, one loses the sharp, straight-ahead vision necessary for driving, reading, recognizing faces, and looking at detail.

Although the specific cause is unknown, AMD seems to be part of aging. While age may be the most significant risk factor for developing clinical evidence of AMD, heredity, blue eyes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and smoking also have been identified as risk factors. AMD accounts for 90 percent of new legal blindness in the United States.

There are two forms of age-related macular degeneration – atrophic (dry) and exudative (wet). Atrophic AMD is the most common and takes many years to develop. Currently, there is no treatment for this form of AMD, but nutritional supplements can slow its progression.

Exudative AMD is less common but more serious. With exudative AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow in a layer beneath the retina, leaking fluid and blood. This creates distortion or a large blind spot in the center of your vision. Your retina specialist can direct the treatment that is best for your eyes and general health. Treatments can be used to prevent further vision loss and can often lead to improvement.

Since there is no cure for AMD, prevention is critical. Here are some things that may help:

• Sunglasses – Some research shows that sunlight exposure may increase the risk of AMD, so routine use of sunglasses with UV filters is recommended outdoors.
• Antioxidants (vitamins C and E, and beta carotene) – Light may affect the eye by stimulating oxygen, leading to the production of highly reactive and damaging compounds called free radicals. Daily antioxidant supplements may work against this activated oxygen and help prevent vision loss in certain individuals who have moderately advanced AMD.
• Zinc – One of the most common minerals in our body, zinc is very concentrated in the eye, particularly in the retina and macula. Zinc is necessary for the action of over 100 enzymes, including chemical reactions in the retina. Studies show some older people have low levels of zinc in their blood. Because zinc is important for the health of the macula, supplements of zinc in the diet may slow down the process of macular degeneration.