Facts on AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. It is one of the leading causes of legal blindness in older Americans.

• Straight lines appear wavy
• Difficulty seeing at a distance
• Decreased ability to distinguish colors
• Inability to see details, such as faces or words in a book
• Dark or empty spots block the center of your vision

• People age 50 and older
• People with hypertension
• People who smoke
• People with a family history of AMD

The "dry" form of macular degeneration, occurs in approximately 90 percent of those with AMD. Studies have found that high levels of zinc and antioxidants play a key role in slowing the progression of dry macular degeneration in advanced cases. There is currently no treatment for this form of AMD.

The "wet" form occurs in only 10 percent of those with AMD, but it accounts for 90 percent of all severe vision loss from the disease. "Wet" AMD can be treated with conventional laser treatment and photodynamic therapy (PDT).

PDT is used to reduce the risk of moderate to severe vision loss in patients with a few specific forms of "wet" macular degeneration.

A new treatment of intraocular antineovascular injections is on the horizon. These drugs, which are delivered directly into the eye by injection, block VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), the molecule that promotes the growth of abnormal blood vessels in "wet" macular degeneration.

Other experimental treatments include transplanting healthy cells into a diseased retina and inserting a "retinal chip" to restore vision loss.

Early detection and treatment is the best defense against losing your vision. If you are at risk for macular degeneration, see your eye doctor for a complete eye exam at least every one to two years. If your vision has been reduced, you do not have to live a lonely and isolating life. Low vision rehabilitation resources are available to help you preserve your quality of life and maintain maximum independence.

National Eye Institute www.nei.nih.gov
Macular Degeneration Partnership www.macd.net
Department of Rehabilitative Services www.okrehab.org
All About Vision www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amd.htm