Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of visual impairment in the United States among individuals over the age of 65, affecting approximately 19 million people. It is also a major cause of blindness in the senior population. There are two primary forms of AMD: Dry AMD and Wet AMD.

Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD)

Dry AMD is the most common form of macular degeneration, accounting for approximately 85–90% of all cases. During an eye exam, patients with Dry AMD typically show small yellow deposits between the layers of the retina called drusen, which are considered an early hallmark of the disease.

An easy way to understand macular degeneration is to imagine the lower layers of the retina functioning like a recycling plant. In a healthy eye, waste byproducts from the retina are continuously processed and cleared away. In Dry AMD, this recycling system becomes inefficient or fails, allowing waste, drusen, to build up. Over time, the accumulation of these deposits disrupts retinal function and contributes to a gradual decline in central vision.

Dry AMD progresses slowly and often results in a dimming or blurring of central vision. Patients in the early stages may notice difficulty reading, reduced night vision, or mild distortion. As the disease advances, it may lead to a condition called Geographic Atrophy (GA), an advanced form of Dry AMD characterized by the irreversible loss of retinal cells. GA can cause permanent blind spots (scotomas) in the center of the visual field, significantly affecting day-to-day activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces.

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)

Wet AMD accounts for approximately 10–15% of all AMD cases, yet it is responsible for the majority of severe vision loss associated with the disease. Unlike the slow progression seen in Dry AMD, Wet AMD can lead to a sudden and significant loss of central vision.

Wet AMD is characterized by the abnormal growth of new blood vessels beneath the retina, a process known as neovascularization. These newly formed vessels are fragile and prone to leakage and bleeding, which can cause swelling, scarring, and rapid damage to the macula-the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Once this damage occurs, the resulting vision loss is often permanent.

In many cases, Wet AMD develops as a progression from Dry AMD. Over time, the drusen (yellow deposits) that accumulate in the lower layers of the retina may disrupt the blood-retina barrier. Once this protective barrier is compromised, it increases the risk of abnormal blood vessel growth and conversion to Wet AMD.

Early detection is critical. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression, stabilize vision, and in some cases, partially improve visual function through the use of anti-VEGF injections and other therapies.

AMD Risk Factors (AMD)

Anyone over the age of 50, and especially seniors, should take a moment to learn about risk factors for age related macular degeneration (AMD). YOU can make a difference in preserving your vision by knowing your risk factors, being aware of your family history, and scheduling eye exam appointments with your regular eye doctor. As with many age related eye problems, the key to preventing vision loss from age related macular degeneration is early detection, diagnosis and treatment as recommended by your eye doctor.

Top AMD Risks You Should Know

  • Being over the Age of 60
  • Having a Family History of AMD
  • Cigarette Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Hypertension & Cardiovascular Disease

If you have any two of these risk factors, you should schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam and evaluation with your eye doctor.

Treatment of Macular Degeneration Seniors

Treatment of Macular Degeneration Seniors and others at risk for AMD should be aware and relieved that we have made significant advances in treatment using retina injections such as Lucentis® (Ranibizumab), Eylea® (Aflibercept), VABYSMO® (Faricimab) Retina Injections for treatment of Wet AMD, and SYFOVRE™ & IZERVAY™ Injections for treatment of Geographic Atrophy (GA), an advanced form of Dry AMD. These injections can often slow the progression of the disease preserve vision that was thought to be lost for many patients. Therefore, in most cases, AMD is not an automatic path to blindness or even vision loss among seniors-if you are aware of risk factors and proactive in getting regular eye exams. Early detection and treatment are the key to preventing vision loss from AMD.