Age-related macular degeneration is a type of eye disease that becomes more common as you age. In fact, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects nearly 20 million people older than 60. While there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, there are steps you can take to keep your vision sharper for longer.
What is age-related macular degeneration?
The eyes and vision go through many changes as we age. Macular degeneration is a disease that impacts the macula. The macula is located within the eye’s retina and helps control your central vision.
Damage to the macula affects your central vision but leaves your peripheral vision (being able to see things off to the side) intact. For example, if you were watching TV, the center of the screen might look blurry or like a dark, blank spot and images off to the left or right would be clear.
There are two main types of age-related macular degeneration:
- Dry macular degeneration: This is the most common type, affecting about 80% of those with AMD. In dry AMD, deposits of proteins and fat (called drusen) accumulate behind the macula. As more drusen accumulates, the macula gets fewer nutrients and becomes thinner.
- Wet macular degeneration: This type is much less common, but more severe. Abnormal blood vessels grow up behind the macula. This causes damage that can result in faster vision loss.
How to prevent (or slow) macular degeneration
The causes of AMD (other than getting older) are still not completely understood. Some people have a family history of the disease, which puts them at higher risk. People who smoke or have high cholesterol or high blood pressure are also at increased risk of AMD.
If you are at high risk of developing macular degeneration (or already have early signs of it), you can take steps to preserve your vision. To prevent or slow the progression of macular degeneration, you should:
- Consult with your doctor about taking supplements targeted to eye health, including vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein and zeaxanthin
- Control your blood pressure and cholesterol with medication or lifestyle changes
- Eat a healthy diet rich in leafy green vegetables and fish
- Stop smoking
Macular degeneration treatment
Treatment for AMD depends on the type and how far the disease has progressed. Starting treatment when AMD is in the earliest stages is important for slowing down progression of the disease. If the macular degeneration is only present in one eye, early treatment can also help prevent you from developing it in the other eye.
Specially formulated eye health supplements have been shown to slow the progression of dry AMD. People with wet AMD may benefit from injectable medications combined with photodynamic laser therapy.
Living with vision loss from AMD
There is currently no treatment that can restore vision loss from macular degeneration. But there are ways to help you live better and maintain your independence — even with diminished vision.
People with severe, late-stage AMD may have difficulty seeing well enough to do daily tasks, even when wearing glasses or contacts. To help you see more clearly, try techniques that improve low vision such as:
- Reducing glare
- Using magnifying devices
- Working in areas that are brightly lit
Adaptive techniques — such as large-print books, larger fonts on your phone or computer and audible alarms — can also make daily tasks easier.
Ask your doctor if you qualify for assistance from a visual rehabilitation specialist. They can help you navigate products and services that improve your quality of life despite vision loss.
