AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can cause severe central vision loss in older adults and can have a devastating impact, resulting in the inability to read, recognize faces, and drive.
Dry macular degeneration is the most common form of the disease, accounting for about 90% of all cases. It occurs when light-sensitive cells in the retina slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision. People with multiple risk factors or those that have been diagnosed with dry AMD should be screened frequently by an ophthalmologist and monitored for disease progression, because approximately 10% to 20% will progress to wet macular degeneration.
An estimated 8.2% of Americans aged 80 years or older (1.22 million people) are affected by wet macular degeneration, which progresses more rapidly than the dry form. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels leak fluid into the retina, leading to the development of scar tissue that causes visual distortions. People with wet AMD can experience rapid loss of central vision, and without treatment, the vision in most eyes deteriorates severely within two years. Central vision loss due to wet AMD may be misinterpreted as part of the normal aging process.
Wet AMD is associated with significant decreases in quality of life. People with wet AMD equate their quality of life with conditions such as advanced cancer and incontinent patients needing constant care. Around 30% of those with advanced wet AMD suffer from depression, and people with declining vision have twice the risk of frequent falls (compared to individuals with stable or improved vision). Visual impairment is also associated with an increased probability of nursing home admission.
The following factors greatly increase a person's risk of developing wet AMD:
- Age (>65 years)
- Family history
- Gender (women are at a higher risk)
- Race (whites are at a higher risk)
- Smoking
- High-fat diet
- Diagnosed with dry AMD
Symptoms of wet AMD include:
- Fuzzy or blurred central vision
- Distortion of objects
- A blank or blind spot in the central field of vision
- Straight lines appear wavy or curved
Early diagnosis and treatment can make a dramatic difference in vision. If left untreated, wet AMD progresses quickly, with severe vision loss occurring in as little as 2 years. Some people may be diagnosed with wet AMD after living with dry AMD for months or years, and in the early stages of the disease, there may be few symptoms. Wet AMD can be diagnosed through a comprehensive dilated eye exam performed by an ophthalmologist. Additional tests such as fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and PHP may be ordered.
TESTING TO MONITOR MACULAR DEGENERATION
In keeping up with the latest technological advances and in striving to deliver better patient care, we are very excited to be the first in the area to offer a quick, painless test called the “Foresee PHP” to monitor patients with dry macular degeneration. The critical point here is that our ophthalmologists want to catch this rapidly-progressing disease before it develops into the more vision threatening wet macular degeneration.
A major reason for the devastating effects of wet macular degeneration has been a lack of effective monitoring tools. With previous techniques such as the Amsler grid, diagnosis often happens too late - after retinal damage and vision loss have already occurred. Macular degeneration treatment works best in the early or dry stage. If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration, a consultation with our ophthalmologists can determine if you are a candidate for PHP testing.
MEDICAL THERAPY
Early diagnosis of wet AMD is more important than ever, because now we can offer our patients the first treatment proven to improve vision in up to 40% of patients! The earlier that FDA-approved LUCENTIS is used, the more it raises the chances of maintaining or increasing vision.
In December, 2004, Macugen became the first FDA-approved medication for the treatment of wet AMD. Data suggests that patients who had early wet AMD and were treated with Macugen had improved visual outcomes over those who started treatment later. These results highlight the importance of early detection to help preserve vision, by beginning treatment before wet AMD becomes advanced and routine activities become difficult.
Medicare Benefit!
Having a regular eye exam is the best way for people to protect themselves from vision loss or blindness due to glaucoma or diabetic eye disease.
People at highest risk include:
- People with diabetes
- Those with a family history of glaucoma
- African Americans age 50 or older
- Hispanics age 65 or older
For more information, click HERE (PDF File)
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