Macular Degeneration

Article submitted by Denver Eye Surgeons.
For more information, they can be reached at 303-279-6600.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in Americans older than 60 years of age. The Macular Degeneration Partnership organization states one-fourth of the U.S. population aged 65-74 and 35% of those over 75 have the disease. As a General Ophthalmologist, I see several patients every day with varying degrees of this disease, ranging from it having no effect on vision to rendering the patient unable to read or see faces. Risk for developing AMD is somewhat genetically determined but is also related to age, gender and race. The disease affects more women than men and Caucasians more often than African Americans. Cigarette smoking is a very strong risk factor as is hypertension, light eye color, and low intake of antioxidants.

AMD is a disease of the macula, which is the area of the retina (the nerve layer in the back of the eye) most concentrated with nerves. The macula gives us our detailed vision - the vision we use to read, see faces, drive and see objects in fine detail.

There are two forms of the disease: dry and wet. Most cases of the disease (85% to 90%) are dry. The dry form is characterized by drusen, little yellow "fat" deposits under and/or around the macula. The amount of vision loss related to drusen is proportional to the number and location of these drusen. In the "wet" type of macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and macula and leak either blood or fluid into the macula causing distortion, blurriness or loss of vision.

Typically, the dry form gives a gradual decay of vision while the wet form often causes a rapid loss. The wet form is considered to be the more severe of the two. Neither form typically will cause someone to go completely blind--where they are unable to see light or movement. The time frame of visual deterioration is variable in every patient.

The important point to realize is if you are told you have macular degeneration, it doesn't necessarily mean you are going to go blind. There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of the more severe forms of the disease. There is some evidence that those wearing UV and sun protection in the form of sunglasses will have a lower risk. In addition, foods rich in antioxidant and/or supplements have been shown to be beneficial in the prevention of progression of the disease. But how much and which ones should you take? This is a question best addressed by your ophthalmologist as it relates to your level of the disease and your overall health.