What is AMD?
AMD (age related macular degeneration) is a disease of the eye in which the cells of the macula (central part of the retina responsible for clear vision) degenerate and die leqading to sudden onset loss of vision.
Is macular degeneration always age related?
Age Related Macular degeneration is always age related and usually affects adults who are 65 years and over. However, certain other types of degenerations may occur on the macula which may affect children and young adults.
What are the risk factors for AMD?
There are a number of reasons which have been recognized and suspected for the causation of AMD. They are increased exposure to environmental UV radiation, longer lifespan with increasing age, environmental pollutants, smoking, unhealthy diet and obesity.
Can AMD be prevented?
Although there is no definite way to prevent AMD, lifestyle modification can help in decreasing the chances of having AMD. These include using sunglasses with a UV filter, quitting to smoke, eating a healthy diet rich in green leafy vegetables, exercising regularly and visiting you eye doctor regularly to detect the disease in early stages. Newer oral medications which are rich in Antioxidants (Vitamin A, C and E) and other nutrients like Zinc, Lutein and Zeaxanthine can help prevent progression of AMD.
What are the signs and symptoms of AMD?
The early signs of AMD are wavy appearance of straight lines, appearance of black shadowy areas in the central vision. Earliest indication of thee symptoms can be detected by monitoring on a specialized chart, the Amsler's grid which can be easily obtained and learnt.
What are the types of AMD?
There are2 types of AMD, the dry type and the wet type. The dry variety is more common and results from the progressive dying and degeneration of the cells of the Macula. In the wet variety new weak blood vessels grow under the retina which leak blood and or fluid which is toxic to the retinal cells and create shadowy areas in the vision.
Can we cure AMD?
No, AMD cannot be cured, however, if detected early progression can be slowed down or even stopped. So it is important to be diagnosed early.
What are the treatment options for AMD?
AMD have many treatment options which include oral medications comprising of antioxidants and micronutrients, injections which are given inside the eye and lasers which are applied to the abnormal blood vessels.
Patients who have reduced vision due to AMD can use Low Vision Aids to help them read, work on computers and use other appliances required for daily living.