Spotlight Video | What Is Macular Degeneration? | Barbara Bowers, MD
Dr. Barbara Bowers is an ophthalmologist practicing in Paducah, KY. Dr. Bowers specializes in eye and vision care. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Bowers can practice medicine as well as surgery. Ophthalmologists can perform surgeries because they have their medical degrees along with at least eight years of additional training.... more
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the retina, specifically the macula. The macula is responsible for the central vision that allows people to see fine details. When this part of the eye is damaged, the individual loses their central vision, making it difficult to perform daily tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Peripheral vision is unaffected, so the individual can still see the sides of their visual field. AMD is a common condition that affects people over the age of 50 and is one of the leading causes of vision loss in this age group.
There are two types of AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD. Dry AMD is the most common form, accounting for 80% of cases. It occurs when parts of the macula thin out, and small clumps of protein called drusen form. Dry AMD develops slowly, and there is currently no cure for this form of the condition. Wet AMD, on the other hand, is less common but more severe. This type of AMD occurs when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, which can leak blood or other fluids, causing scarring of the macula. People with wet AMD lose their vision faster than those with dry AMD.
People who are overweight, over 50 years of age, have high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, a family history of AMD, or smoke cigarettes are at an increased risk of developing the condition. Consuming a diet high in saturated fats also puts people at risk of developing AMD. Caucasians are more likely to develop AMD compared to other ethnic groups.
It is essential to have regular eye exams to detect the condition before the symptoms occur. An ophthalmologist can identify early signs of AMD and recommend treatments to slow down the progression of the disease. During an eye exam, the ophthalmologist may ask the patient to look at an Amsler grid, which helps detect any distorted or blurry spots in the field of vision. The ophthalmologist may also use optical coherence tomography or fluorescein angiography to examine the retina and macula.
Currently, there is no cure for dry AMD. However, certain supplements can slow the progression of the disease. The vitamins and minerals that have been found to benefit people with certain types of drusen are Vitamin C (500mg), Vitamin E (400 IU), Lutein (10mg), Zeaxanthin (2mg), Zinc (80mg), and Copper (2mg). These vitamins and minerals are commonly referred to as the AREDS supplements. Eye-healthy foods like dark leafy greens, yellow fruits and vegetables, and fish can also benefit people with AMD.
