Q: I have heard that macular degeneration is a common cause of age-related vision loss. What is macular degeneration and how does it affect my vision?
A: In addition to normal changes in vision, older adults may experience other eye disorders that can adversely affect eyesight such as age-related macular degeneration or ARMD which is a major cause of blindness and visual impairment in adults 50+. The specifics of what causes ARMD are not conclusively known. What is known indicates that heredity and environmental elements are contributing factors.
ARMD occurs when the macula, the central part of the retina which is responsible for detail, color, and daylight vision, is damaged. Early stages of dry ARMD are diagnosed by the presence of drusen, yellow deposits beneath the retina, that can be seen by your eye doctor during a dilated exam. ARMD affects central vision and makes it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces although enough peripheral vision remains to allow other activities of daily living.
ARMD occurs in two forms, ‘dry’ and ‘wet.’ The dry form, affecting approximately 90% of those with ARMD, tends to progress slowly and vision changes may be more subtle such as parts of letters appearing to be missing or straight lines are crooked or wavy. Gradual central vision loss may occur with dry ARMD, but it is usually not as severe as wet ARMD symptoms.
About 10% of the people with ARMD develop the wet type which happens when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood into the macula. The wet type causes severe vision loss and develops more rapidly than the dry type. Common to wet ARMD is a large, dark spot appearing in the center of one’s vision. If this occurs, see your eye doctor immediately.
Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, early detection and/or treatment may help to reduce your risks and possibly slow the progression of this disease. Eye vitamins may help with dry ARMD and laser treatments may help with wet ARMD. Other measures that may be helpful include a diet that includes green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach and fatty fish such as salmon and tuna; quitting smoking; and protecting your eyes from ultraviolet light among others. There are also low vision aids designed for those with macular degeneration to help as your vision changes. Most importantly, see your eye doctor at least yearly for a complete, dilated exam to maintain your eye health and discuss any concerns you may have about ARMD.