What causes Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
AMD occurs when the macula, the central part of the retina in your eye, stops functioning effectively.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — causes, symptoms, treatments
What is Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that typically develops in older people. There are two types of AMD:
- Dry AMD is more common, develops gradually and can cause some vision loss.
- Wet AMD develops more quickly and can cause greater vision loss.
Both forms can happen at the same time.
Signs and Symptoms of Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Dry AMD leads to the gradual loss of your central field of vision, making it distorted and blurry, and objects may seem an unusual size or shape. Quite often the peripheral (side) vision remains intact. With Wet AMD you get similar loss of field of vision, but this is happens more quickly.
Treating Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
There is currently no cure for dry AMD, though day-to-day activities can be made easier with good lighting, large print and a magnifying glass.
Wet AMD is sometimes treated with medication or laser surgery. Treatment does not always improve eyesight, but can help prevent further vision loss.
Nutritional supplements, foods such as leafy greens and stopping smoking may help slow down the progression of AMD.
Footnotes
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