What Older Adults Need to Know About Age-Related Macular Degeneration
As Americans live longer, preserving eye health has become more important than ever. One of the leading causes of vision loss among people aged 60 and older is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a progressive eye condition that affects central vision. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 18.3 million Americans have early AMD. And about 1.5 million Americans have late AMD. Because AMD has few symptoms in the early stages and can progress slowly, early detection is key to preserving vision.
What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is a chronic eye disorder that impacts the macula, the small part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. This type of vision is essential for everyday tasks like reading, driving, recognizing faces, and watching television.
There are two main types of AMD:
Dry AMD: The most common form, accounting for about 80-90% of cases. It involves thinning of the macula and the accumulation of drusen (tiny yellow deposits).
Wet AMD: Less common but more severe. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, rapidly damaging the macula.
AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness.Click To TweetWho Is at Risk?
In addition to age, other risk factors for AMD include: a history of smoking, genetics and family history, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.
Age-related macular degeneration damages the macular, a part of the retina that provides sharp, central vision. The macula allows you to see fine detail like recognizing faces, watching TV, and reading. If your macula is damaged, you can develop blurry or blank spots in your vision. In short, when you look at someone you might not see the middle of their face.
For these reasons, if you are over 60 and notice changes in your vision, it’s important to get a eye exam at least once a year.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Vision
- Stop smoking
- Exercise regularly and stay at a healthy weight
- Maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fish
- Get a comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist or optometrist
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