What Is Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of vision loss as we get older. It happens when the macula—the part of the retina that gives us sharp, straight-ahead vision—starts to break down. Over time, this can make it harder to see details, read, or recognize faces.
The good news? Your side (peripheral) vision usually stays normal, and early detection can make a huge difference in protecting your sight.
That’s why we at Eyecare Associates recommend a comprehensive eye exam every year—even if you’re seeing fine! AMD can start developing long before you notice symptoms.
The Two Types of AMD
Dry Macular Degeneration (Most Common Form)
This form develops slowly over time. The light-sensing cells in the macula stop working as well. Early signs include small yellow deposits under the retina called drusen. As these build up, they can affect your vision.
In advanced stages, called geographic atrophy, larger patches of these cells die off—creating a “blank spot” in the center of your vision. You might notice blurry or missing spots when you’re looking straight ahead.
Wet Macular Degeneration
About 1 in 5 people with the dry form eventually develop the “wet” form. This happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leaking fluid or blood. This can cause sudden vision loss and distortion—straight lines may look wavy or crooked.
Because wet AMD can progress quickly, early detection and treatment are critical.
Do You Have Symptoms of AMD?
You might notice:
- Blurred or missing spots in your central vision
- Words or letters disappearing when you read
- Straight lines appearing wavy
- Trouble recognizing faces
- Difficulty reading or driving, especially in low light
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment right away. Early evaluation can help preserve your vision.
What Causes AMD?
Several factors can increase your risk:
- A close family member with AMD
- Lighter skin or eye color
- Frequent sun exposure without sunglasses
- Smoking
- Poor diet (low in colorful fruits and vegetables)
- Uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular problems
You can’t change your genetics, but you can protect your eyes with healthy habits and regular checkups!
How We Diagnose AMD
During your visit, we’ll:
- Check your vision in each eye
- Use special eye drops to dilate your pupils for a detailed look at your retina
- Take high-resolution retinal photos to monitor subtle changes over time
- Perform an OCT scan—a painless light scan that gives us a 3D view of your retina and helps detect even the earliest changes
Treatment and Management
Dry Macular Degeneration
There’s no single “cure” yet, but there’s a lot we can do to slow its progress and protect your sight.
Our goals are to:
- Reduce your risk factors
- Strengthen your retinal health with the right nutrients
- Monitor your vision closely for any signs of change
- Refer you for treatment if you develop progressive/severe dry AMD or any wet AMD
1. Healthy Habits Matter
- Quit smoking – this is the single biggest step you can take to protect your eyes.
- Protect your eyes from sunlight – wear quality, polarized sunglasses and a hat or visor outdoors.
- Keep your heart healthy – exercise, eat well, and manage your blood pressure and blood sugar.
2. Eat for Eye Health
Your eyes love colorful fruits and vegetables!
Nutrients called carotenoids—especially lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin—act like natural sunscreen and antioxidants for your retina.
You can find them in foods like:
- Kale, spinach, and other leafy greens
- Red and yellow peppers
- Squash and corn
If your diet doesn’t include enough of these, we might recommend a supplement based on the AREDS2 study, which showed that a specific combination of vitamins and minerals can slow AMD progression.
3. Regular Monitoring
We’ll recommend follow-up visits based on your AMD stage, and we may also teach you how to monitor your vision at home using an Amsler Grid—a simple grid pattern that helps detect new distortions or missing spots.
Some patients also benefit from AI-assisted home monitoring devices, such as ForeSee Home, which alerts your doctor automatically if changes are detected.
Wet Macular Degeneration
If your AMD progresses to the wet form, prompt treatment is key to saving vision.
Treatment typically involves anti-VEGF injections—medications like Eylea, Lucentis, or Avastin—which stop abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce leakage. These treatments are performed by an ophthalmologist and have helped millions maintain their sight.
If we detect even subtle signs of wet AMD, we’ll fast-track your referral to ensure you get treatment without delay.
Bottom Line
Macular degeneration can sound intimidating—but with early detection, healthy habits, and modern treatments, many people maintain good, functional vision for life.
At Eyecare Associates, our doctors are here to guide you every step of the way—from prevention to diagnosis to personalized care.
Protect your sight—schedule your annual eye exam today!