Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over the age of 50. It affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision.

If you have concerns about macular degeneration, call Northeastern Washington Eyecare or schedule your appointment online.

When you look at an object, light enters the eye and is focused onto the retina. Specialized cells in the retina convert this light into signals that travel to the brain, allowing you to see.

The macula is a small but vital area in the center of the retina. It provides clear, detailed vision and accurate color perception. When disease damages the macula, central vision becomes blurred or distorted.

Macular degeneration does not cause complete blindness because side (peripheral) vision usually remains intact. However, loss of central vision can make everyday activities such as reading, driving, cooking, and recognizing faces very difficult.

There are two main forms of age-related macular degeneration:

Dry macular degeneration

This is the most common type, accounting for about 80–90% of cases. It usually develops slowly and tends to be less severe than the wet form. Over time, the macula may thin, and small yellow deposits called drusen can accumulate. Although progression is gradual, dry AMD can still lead to significant vision loss and may advance to the wet form.

Wet macular degeneration

Wet AMD is less common, affecting about 10–20% of patients, but it causes the majority of severe vision loss related to macular degeneration. In this form, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina. These vessels are fragile and often leak fluid or blood, leading to rapid and permanent damage to central vision.

Early macular degeneration may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why routine eye exams are essential. As the condition progresses, you may notice:

• Straight lines appearing wavy, distorted, or faded
• Blurry or fuzzy central vision
• Dark, empty, or missing areas in the center of vision
• Colors appearing less bright or vivid

Seek care promptly if symptoms worsen suddenly, as early treatment may help preserve vision.

Macular degeneration is most common after age 60, but several factors increase risk:

• Smoking – Smokers are about twice as likely to develop AMD
• Race – More common in Caucasians than in Black, Hispanic, or Latino populations
• Family history – Risk is higher if a close relative has macular degeneration

A comprehensive eye exam to evaluate macular health may include:

• Visual acuity testing – Measures how clearly you see at various distances
• Dilated eye exam – Allows close examination of the retina and macula
• Amsler grid testing – Detects subtle changes or distortion in central vision
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) – Provides detailed images of the retina to detect thinning, swelling, or fluid
• Retinal angiography – Uses a special dye to evaluate blood flow and detect abnormal or leaking blood vessels

Regular comprehensive eye exams are one of the best ways to protect your vision and detect macular degeneration early.

To support eye health and reduce risk, your eye doctor may recommend:

• Regular physical activity
• A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Avoiding smoking
• Protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light

While macular degeneration cannot be cured, treatments are available to help slow progression and preserve vision:

Treatment options may include:

• Intravitreal injections – Medications that block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), reducing abnormal blood vessel growth in wet AMD
• Laser treatment – In selected cases of wet AMD, laser therapy may be used to seal leaking blood vessels
• Nutritional supplements – For certain patients with dry AMD, specialized eye vitamins may help slow disease progression (these supplements do not replace a healthy diet)

Early detection and consistent monitoring play a critical role in protecting vision from macular degeneration.

At Northeastern Washington Eyecare, we are dedicated to helping our patients maintain healthy vision at every stage of life.

Call us today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about macular degeneration and how we can help.