Archive for the ‘AMD’ Category

Types of AMD

Monday, April 5th, 2010

By: Dan Brown

The two important types of age related macular degeneration are wet AMD and dry AMD. The forms can attack any one or both of the eyes. A patient diagnosed for dry AMD can later develop wet AMD.

Wet AMD: This type of age-related macular degeneration is caused by the abnormal growth of blood vessels behind the retina. This happens when the membrane underlying the retina breaks and disrupts the oxygen supply to the macula. The new blood vessels, which are very delicate, grow under the macula and often rupture easily leaking fluids and blood. This leaking alters the position of macula and causes scarring. Wet AMD occurs suddenly resulting in the loss of central vision.

Distorted vision and straight line appearing wavy are the initial symptoms of wet AMD. This is the most severe form of AMD and immediate professional advice should be taken.

Of all age-related macular degeneration cases, only 10% is due to wet AMD but it causes the maximum damage and can lead to blindness. If detected early, laser treatment can be effective in stopping the leak of the blood vessels causing wet AMD.

Dry AMD: Macula is made of light-sensitive cells and the breaking down of these cells leads to dry AMD. This type of age-related macular degeneration appears slowly and leads to the blurring of central vision. Of the two types, dry AMD occurs most commonly and is also known as atrophic AMD as it is caused by the death of the cells in macula.

Symptoms include slightly blurred vision, unable to recognize faces, unable to do simple tasks such as reading in normal light and require more light. An early sign of dry AMD is the yellow deposits, known as drusen, under the retina which can only be recognized by an ophthalmologist during an eye exam. Increase in size and number of drusen worsens dry AMD. Thinning of the macula is another symptom.

In the initial stages, dry AMD will go unrecognized as it can only be found by a detailed examination. Most people realize dry AMD during a later stage, when they need more light to do simple day-to-day activities like reading. A blurred spot in the center of vision is also seen by some people. It is wise to take professional advice during this stage.

In the advanced stage their will be a total breakup in vision with only peripheral vision seen clearly. This is mainly due to the increase in the size and number of drusen. Patients also lose color perception and recognizing faces becomes difficult in this stage. One of the major problems with dry AMD is that it impairs a single eye and since the other eye functions smoothly the problem goes unnoticed. Most people recognize the problem only when both of the eyes are affected.

Taking an active role in eye protection is very much necessary. While having an appointment with an ophthalmologist, clear all your doubts. The amount of literature available on eye diseases is huge and most of them can be downloaded from the Internet. Talk to your friends and relatives about your condition, they might offer helpful tips.

About the Author

Dan recommends visiting an easy to use search directory for Contact Lenses. Free expert vision information and advice is available.

(ArticlesBase SC #32955)

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Take Charge of Your Vision by Dr. Bruce P. Rosenthal

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness in Americans over 50, yet a disease that few talked about until recently. For years, many assumed vision loss was a natural result of aging. We are learning that this isn’t the case. Much can be done to preserve vision through prevention, early detection via regular eye exams, treatment, vision rehabilitation, support services and research.

AMD is an eye disease that causes loss of central vision, leaving only peripheral vision intact. Possible warning signs of AMD include difficulty in distinguishing colors, blurry images, straight lines that appear distorted or wavy and central vision blocked by dark or empty spaces. Those affected by AMD often have trouble reading a book, driving a car and distinguishing faces and traffic signs. An estimated 6 million Americans have vision loss from AMD and approximately 13 to 15 million Americans have pre-symptomatic signs of AMD. Some form of AMD affects 25 to 30 million people worldwide, and that number is predicted to double in the next 35 years.
Smoking is the only proven risk factor for AMD. Other possible risk factors include genetics, cataracts, hypertension, sun exposure, farsightedness, light skin or eye color and a diet low in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Despite the prevalence of AMD, awareness remains quite low. A study commissioned by the AMD Alliance International revealed that only 3 percent of Americans surveyed think AMD is the leading cause of severe sight loss among adults 50 and older and 79 percent are not aware of any treatment options for the disease. (Research Source: Survey among representative samples of 6,591 adults from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and United States commissioned by AMD Alliance International, May 1999). Every week, new AMD patients arrive at LIGHTHOUSE INTERNATIONAL claiming they were “dismissed” by their regular doctors with the words, “There is nothing more I can do for you.” This is absolutely wrong. The field of low vision is advancing daily, and there are many ways to make the most of remaining sight.

Follow these initial steps, along with others recommended by your eye care provider, to take charge of your vision:

Regular Eye Exams: It is imperative that regular eye exams and tests (Amsler Grid) and early detection are a priority especially if there is a family history of this condition. This enables your eye care provider to discuss available options for treatment, rehabilitation and support services, as well as other recommendations for your specific lifestyle, diet and circumstances.

Treatment: Talk with your eye care provider to learn more about the two treatments that currently exist to treat some forms of wet AMD-photodynamic therapy and laser photocoagulation-as well as research on the horizon.

Vision Rehabilitation: Counseling and training help people with vision impairment to function independently. Discuss tools such as low vision aids and magnifiers, lighting, computer enhancements, large print publications, “talking” devices like books, watches and microwaves and practical daily living skills for reading, cooking, sewing and more.

Support Services: Reach out to find support groups of patients and vision experts in your local area.

Life does not end with a diagnosis of AMD. Today, it is possible to see better and live an active and rich life despite the loss of central vision.

If you have a friend or a loved one who has AMD or any other vision problem and could use some extra assistance, be sure to tell them about information and assistance available at http://www.agingavenues.com/ for the Indianapolis area. Contact Carlotta Katra at (317) 731-3315 for more information.

Dr. Rosenthal is chairman of AMD Alliance International and chief of Low Vision Programs at Lighthouse International. He is also an executive council member of the Low Vision Section of the American Optometric Association. He has written and lectured widely on visual impairment.

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