One of the leading causes of vision loss for Americans over the age of 60, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), could affect the vision of as many as 11 million people across the country. It affects about 30% of those over the age of 75.
At IC Laser Eye Care’s three locations — in Bensalem and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Hamilton, New Jersey — our ophthalmologists and eye surgeons offer the most up-to-date care available to help people with AMD, as well as any other eye condition.
AMD affects the central part of your vision only, but this is the part of your sight that you rely on for virtually every function. The macula is a central portion of the retina responsible for the detail and color perception of your central vision. About 5 millimeters wide, the macula has the highest concentration of photoreceptor cells on the retina.
There are two main types of AMD. Dry macular degeneration is the most common, accounting for about 80% of AMD cases. The cause of this disease isn’t known, but genetics and environmental exposure may play a role. Typically, this form of AMD progresses slowly as photoreceptor cells lose function. Each eye tends to progress at its own rate.
Wet macular degeneration is less common, but it’s a more serious threat to your vision. Abnormal blood vessels behind the retina begin to leak, and this leakage can lead to a large blind spot in your central vision if left untreated.
Your risk for AMD increases after the age of 50. If you have hypertension, if you smoke, or when you consume a diet high in saturated fat, you may be more at risk than the general population.
AMD has a range of common symptoms, but you may have a unique combination of these. Schedule an appointment with IC Laser Eye Care any time you notice vision changes. Catching eye conditions early usually improves your long-term prognosis.
Common AMD symptoms include:
AMD can affect one or both eyes. Your brain may compensate enough that you don’t notice the symptoms in one eye easily. AMD doesn’t affect your peripheral vision, so it won’t cause complete blindness.
These symptoms apply to both dry and wet macular degeneration, but the changes tend to be sudden with the less common wet type of the condition.
Make an appointment by phone or online at the most convenient of our three locations as soon as you suspect you may have AMD symptoms. Our ophthalmologists can help you with any vision issue that you encounter. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Book an exam today.
