February is the month to shed light on this degenerative eye condition that is the leading cause of low vision in Americans over 50 years old. More people may lose their sight to age-related macular degeneration rather than glaucoma and cataracts. Thus, there is a need to raise awareness of this condition.

AMD has no early warning signs, and it progresses slowly over the years. It steals your vision and makes it hard to go about your daily activities.

What Is Age-related Macular Degeneration?

It is the deterioration of the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for clear straight-ahead vision. It is also the part that helps you see color, read, write, drive, and recognize people’s faces.

The macula also gives you the ability to see objects and play sports. Consequently, its degeneration can significantly cause difficulty going about your everyday activities.

What Happens?

Degenerative proteins or drusen deposit under the retina. They are clinical hallmarks of age-related macular degeneration. As the condition progresses, they lead to deterioration of the structural support system of the retina. It allows for the growth of abnormal blood vessels that are weak and leak blood and fluid.

The leaking of these blood vessels leads to further disruption of the retinal cells. If the blood vessels grow in the macula, they cause loss of central vision and age-related macular degeneration.

Types of Age-related Macular Degeneration

There are two primary types of age-related macular degeneration. These are dry and wet age-related macular degeneration.

Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration

It is the most common type of condition and happens in the early stages of the disease. It results mainly from aging. However, genetics and environmental factors can also contribute to this type of macular degeneration.

It causes the light-sensitive cells in the macula to break down, causing slow and gradual vision loss. It has no cure, but some devices and therapies can help with low vision.

Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration

It is less common and can result from dry age-related macular degeneration. However, this type of condition is always the late stage. It happens when weak, abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye and damage the macula. There are also a few treatment options for this type of macular degeneration.

Risk Factors

The exact cause of age-related macular degeneration is not clear. However, several factors can predispose you to the condition. There are those that you can control and others you cannot. They include:
 

• Family history or genetics
   

• High blood pressure
   

• High cholesterol
   

• Smoking
   

• Age
   

• Race
   

• Poor diet
   

• High exposure to the sun
   

• Heart disease

How to Reduce Risk

Even though there is no cure for this condition, there are lifestyle habits you can change to reduce your risk. These habits include not smoking, eating healthily, and engaging in physical exercise regularly. You can also make sure you protect your eyes with sunglasses and a hat whenever you are out in the sun.

Living With Age-related Macular Degeneration

There are ways to get around the low vision. Although your central vision may be blurry, your peripheral vision can help you get around your daily activities. These activities include reading, cooking, and many other things.

For more information on AMD, contact Enochs Eye Care in Suffolk, Virginia by calling (757) 638-2015 today to schedule an appointment.