Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Becoming More Frequent

Article submitted by Jean Spinelli, Information Specialist Coordinator, Office of Public Affairs, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center.
For more information, she can be reached at 520-626-2531 or by e-mail at jspinell@u.arizona.edu, or visit their website: www.ahsc.arizona.edu/opa.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of impaired vision in older Americans. The disease is becoming more frequent as people are living longer: AMD may occur during middle age, and people over age 60 are at greater risk. Regular examinations by an ophthalmologist are important because early treatment may delay or reduce the severity of the disease, according to The University of Arizona Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) gradually destroys the sharp, central vision needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily activities such as reading and driving. Symptoms include blurred vision that goes away in brighter light, straight lines that appear wavy, or a small but growing blind spot in the middle of the field of vision. An eye exam can detect AMD and, although there is no cure, early detection and treatment may delay or reduce its severity.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs in two forms: wet or dry. The more common dry form is caused by aging and thinning of the tissues of the macula, the small area at the back of the eye that allows us to see fine details clearly. The dry form develops slowly and may cause progressive loss of vision. In the wet form, new blood vessels grow beneath the retina, leaking fluid and blood and creating a blind spot in the center of the visual field. Wet macular degeneration occurs in about 10 percent of the cases. Antioxidant vitamins and minerals may slow the progress of dry macular degeneration. Laser surgery can be used to treat some cases of the wet form.

The risk for developing Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is nearly 30 percent in those over age 75. Risk also is higher for those who have an immediate family member who has the disease and those who smoke or who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Women tend to be at greater risk than men.