What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. This condition affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. With AMD, central vision is affected, which makes it difficult to see fine details and recognize faces. Peripheral (side) vision will still be normal. For instance, imagine you are looking at a clock with hands. With AMD, you might see the clock’s numbers but not the hands. There are two main types of AMD: “dry” (atrophic) and “wet” (neovascular).

The dry form is quite common. About 80 percent of people who have AMD have the dry form. Dry AMD is when parts of the macula get thinner with age and tiny clumps of protein called drusen grow. People with dry AMD may have drusen, pigment abnormalities, or geographic atrophy (an area of cell loss in the retina). You slowly lose central vision.

The wet form is less common but much more serious. Wet AMD is when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. These vessels may leak blood or other fluids, causing scarring of the macula. You lose vision faster with wet AMD than with dry AMD. Early intervention and prompt treatment can help slow or stop further loss of sight.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

  • Blurry or distorted central vision
  • Difficulty recognizing faces
  • Trouble reading or seeing fine details
  • Dark or empty spots in your central vision
  • Distortion (straight lines appear curved or wavy)

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Aging
  • Race
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
  • Diet high in saturated fats

Treatment Options

While there is no cure for macular degeneration, several treatments can help manage the condition:

  • Dry AMD: Lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, exercise, and smoking cessation. Some patients benefit from AREDS2 vitamin supplements. For advanced forms of dry AMD, medications can be injected into the eye that may help slow the progression of the disease.
  • Wet AMD: Vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF, is a molecule generated by the body that causes the abnormal vessels in wet AMD to leak fluid and bleed into and under the retina. Injections of anti-VEGF medications into the eye block the activity of VEGF molecules and often result in a decrease in the fluid or blood caused by the abnormal vessels. This procedure only takes moments and is done in the office. Other treatments may include laser therapy or photodynamic therapy.

Learn more about how injections and laser treatments are performed on our Treatments page.

What can I expect during a consultation for macular degeneration?

After vision and eye pressure testing by one of our technicians, your retina specialist will perform a thorough dilated eye examination. Dilation is necessary for a complete retinal exam. Additionally, diagnostic imaging may be ordered to better evaluate the health of your retina. These tests include, but are not limited to:

  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
  • Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A)
  • Fluorescein Angiography (FA)
  • Fundus Photography (FP)
  • Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF)

Once your physician has made a diagnosis, they will come up with an individualized plan of care. The plan of care may consist of AMD treatment, vitamin supplementation, a referral for low vision services, and a follow-up schedule to monitor disease progression. RAWNY is committed to doing everything possible to slow the rate of vision decline or stop further vision loss.

If you notice changes in your vision, schedule an appointment at Retina Associates of Western NY to discuss early detection and tailored management plans.