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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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