Did you know?
Eye exams help detect numerous systemic health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and stroke.
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AMD Diagnosis and Treatment
Explore how Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) impacts vision with Perception Optometry, offering insights into symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures for ARMD in our La Cañada clinic.
When does age related macular degeneration start
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) usually starts affecting individuals in their 50s and 60s, though it can occur earlier or later. The risk of developing AMD escalates with age. This disease progresses incrementally and may initially present with minimal or no symptoms. As AMD progresses, it can lead to significant visual impairment, including visual distortion and central vision loss, which emphasizes the importance of regular eye examinations for early detection and management.
Early Stage
Often symptomless, making detection without an eye exam difficult. Increased difficulty adapting to low light levels, such as when entering a dimly lit restaurant or theater.
Intermediate Stage
Some individuals may still experience no symptoms, while others might notice mild central vision blurriness or difficulties in low light conditions.
Late Stage
Common symptoms include wavy appearance of straight lines and a blurry central vision area, which may worsen over time. Colors may appear less vibrant, and vision in low light becomes more challenging.
What causes AMD
Being overweight
Excess body weight has been linked to higher AMD risk, possibly due to increased inflammation and oxidative stress.
Family history
Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in AMD, and having close relatives with the condition increases your own risk.
Smoking
Smoking tobacco significantly accelerates the progression of AMD by reducing nutrient and oxygen flow to the retina and increasing oxidative damage.
High blood pressure
Hypertension can impair retinal blood flow, exacerbating the risk of developing AMD or worsening its progression.
Being caucasian
Epidemiological studies indicate that white individuals are at a higher risk of developing AMD compared to other ethnic groups
Eating a diet high in saturated fats
Diets rich in saturated fats can contribute to the buildup of deposits in the retina, potentially triggering or aggravating AMD.
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AMD Treatment Options
Currently, there’s no treatment for Dry AMD, but vision aids can help reduce the effect on your life. The impact on daily life can be managed with various visual aids designed to enhance remaining vision.
Wet AMD Treatment
Treatment for wet AMD is more intensive and may include regular eye injections of medications known as anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor). These injections aim to slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina and prevent leaking, which can cause rapid vision loss.
For cases where anti-VEGF injections alone are insufficient, photodynamic therapy may be used. This treatment involves injecting a light-sensitive drug into the bloodstream, followed by activating it with a light shone at the back of the eye to destroy abnormal blood vessels.
The American Optometric Association recommends eye exams
At the age of
6-12 mths
at least once
Between
3-5 y.o.
at least once
5-18 y.o.
annualy
16-64 y.o.
every 2 years
unless at risk for certain eye diseases.
65+ y.o.
annualy