What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration? A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision.
• Dry AMD is more common and often progresses slowly through early, intermediate, and late stages.
• Wet AMD involves abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina and brings faster vision changes.
• Straight lines looking wavy or crooked is a change that calls for a prompt eye appointment.
• Treatment for AMD can involve injections, Corneal Photovitrification (CPV), and regular monitoring.

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with macular degeneration, you likely have many questions. At the Bochner Eye Institute, we understand this can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to explain what age-related macular degeneration can mean, its types, and what can be done to preserve your sight. 

Age-related macular degeneration, often shortened to AMD, affects the macula, which is the part of your retina responsible for sharp central vision. It’s a common cause of vision loss after age 50, but treatments and management options are available.

An Overview of Macular Degeneration

Your macula is the part of your retina (at the back of the eye) responsible for sharp, central vision. Central vision matters because it does the detailed work throughout your day. From reading a text message to driving down a familiar street to recognizing a friend’s face across the room, it all depends on your macula.

Macular degeneration risk increases with age, which is why regular eye exams are so important. Detecting early signs matters, as more management and treatment options are often available in the early stages.

There are 2 main types of age-related macular degeneration. Understanding the difference matters, as they have different treatment options and management strategies.

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the more common type, and it develops slowly, often over many years. This happens as drusen build up in the retina, slowly contributing to damage and impacting central vision.

Dry AMD moves through early, intermediate, and late stages. In the early stages, there are often no noticeable symptoms, making regular eye exams an important part of an overall health routine.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye and leak blood or fluid, damaging the macula. With this type, vision changes tend to come on much more rapidly and can cause more damage. 

Any stage of dry AMD can develop into wet AMD, but wet AMD is always considered a late stage of the disease. This is one reason regular follow-up appointments matter, even when your vision feels normal.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Early-stage AMD often has no noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses and symptoms gradually appear, they will show up in the centre of your field of view. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam:

• Blurry or dim central vision
• Trouble seeing in low light
• Colours seeming less bright than they used to

Changes Worth a Prompt Appointment

Some changes are associated with wet AMD, and can pose an immediate threat to your vision if not treated properly. If you notice any of these changes in your central vision, contact your eye doctor promptly rather than waiting for your next routine appointment:

• New blank or dark spots in your vision
• Straight lines, like a door frame or the edge of a tiled floor, look wavy or crooked
• A sudden shift in how sharp your central vision feels

How Eye Doctors Check for AMD

In many cases, a dilated eye exam is used to check for AMD because it provides a wide view of the retina. During this assessment, your eye doctor will look for signs associated with AMD, such as drusen buildup or abnormal blood vessels.

OCT scans may also provide detailed images of the retina, giving your eye care team a closer look at what’s happening layer by layer.

Home Vision Checks with an Amsler Grid

An Amsler grid is an at-home test to monitor for any vision changes. While it shouldn’t be used as a diagnostic tool on its own, you can use an Amsler grid at home to help you notice changes in your central vision between appointments. Follow your eye doctor’s instructions about how often and when to use it.

Treatment Options and Ways to Slow AMD

Medical Treatments

The right treatment option depends on the type and stage of AMD, and your eye doctor can explain the reasoning behind each one.

For wet AMD, anti-VEGF injections are the most common treatment and can help slow or stop further vision loss. In some cases, photodynamic therapy may also be used. For people with intermediate AMD, AREDS2 supplements may help slow progression to late AMD.

Bochner Eye Institute also offers Corneal Photovitrification (CPV), a noninvasive laser procedure intended to redirect light within the eye toward healthier retinal tissue rather than directly treating the damaged macula. If you’re interested in CPV, your eye doctor can review your AMD stage and retinal imaging to discuss whether the procedure may be appropriate for you and what you can realistically expect from treatment.

Low Vision Support and Tools

Low vision refers to vision loss that surgery or other vision correction options, like glasses, cannot treat. In these cases, magnifiers and other low vision tools can make reading mail, price tags, and recipes more manageable. Vision rehabilitation focuses on daily independence, helping you keep doing the things you like doing.

Small adjustments, like brighter task lighting or larger print, often add up to a real difference.

Take the Next Step for Your Vision

Noticing a change in your central vision, or simply reaching an age where regular checks make sense, is a good reason to book an appointment. Our team at the Bochner Eye Institute can examine your macula, explain what they find in plain language, and walk you through the options that fit your situation. Schedule your eye exam and get answers about your vision.