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Retinal Detachment |
Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)
Age-related
Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the number one cause of legal
blindness among people over the age of 60. This disease
affects the macula (the portion of the eye responsible for
central vision), which can make it very difficult to read,
drive, or perform your daily activities.
People between the ages of 64 and 74 have a 1-in-4 chance of
developing ARMD, and the risk increases with age. The risk
also doubles if you smoke, have high cholesterol, high
hypertension, exposure to UV rays, or a family history of the
disease.
There are two types of macular degeneration: Dry ARMD and Wet
ARMD. Dry ARMD affects about 90% of people with this disease,
which causes light cells located in the macula to break down.
Wet ARMD affects the other 10% of people with macular
degeneration, but it amounts for up to 90% of severe vision
loss caused by the disease. This type of degeneration occurs
when new blood vessels in the retina grow toward the macula,
often leaking blood and fluid into the eye.
  
Your central vision will begin to blur as your condition
gets worse, sometimes causing a dark spot that can get bigger
and darker with time. Straight lines will begin to appear wavy
or you may notice grey, shaded spots in your vision. Your
doctor may recommend using an Amsler Grid (such as the
one shown below) to help monitor the progression of your
disease and watch for any changes in your vision.
Some studies have shown that antioxidant vitamins and zinc may
help slow the progression of Dry ARMD. However, Wet ARMD
requires immediate attention to help prevent further vision
loss. If you have been diagnosed with Wet ARMD, your doctor
may recommend a focal grid laser treatment.
Macular Degeneration often does not have any early symptoms,
as it is painless and oftentimes subtle. There is no cure for
ARMD, but annual dilated eye exams are very important in
catching the disease early.
Amsler Grid
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