Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a condition that
blurs or distorts the central, straight-ahead vision for daily
activities such as reading, driving, or watching television.
Macular degeneration can occur in two forms: wet ARMD, when
abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under
the macula and leak blood and fluid, or dry ARMD, which occurs
when light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down
and gradually blur central vision. The risk of AMD increases
with aging, and other risk factors for this condition include
smoking, obesity, and family history of the disease.
The most common symptom of wet ARMD is a sudden loss of central
vision. An early symptom of wet ARMD is straight lines appearing
to be "wavy." The most common symptom of dry ARMD
is slightly blurred vision or the need for more light for reading
and other tasks. An early symptom of dry ARMD is yellow deposits
under the retina, which are detected by your doctor.
ARMD is detected through a comprehensive eye exam a visual
acuity test (measures how well you see at various distances),
a dilated eye exam (widening the pupil in order to examine
the retina), and a tonometry test (measures the pressure inside
the eye).
If dry ARMD reaches the advanced state, no treatment can prevent
complete vision loss. Intermediate dry ARMD can be treated
in order to delay and possibly prevent vision loss. This treatment
includes taking high doses of antioxidants and zinc, as recommended
by your doctor.
Wet ARMD can be treated in a variety of ways. Laser surgery
(destruction of abnormal, leaky blood vessels), photodynamic
therapy (activation of drug with light that destroys new blood
vessels), and injections (injection of drug that blocks the
growth of abnormal blood vessels) are all possible treatments
of the disease.
If you are 60 years or older, you
should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once
every two years. Early treatment
for many eye diseases may protect your vision. To ask questions
or to schedule an exam, please call our office at 218-759-1290
or 1-800-745-1291.
The most common symptom of wet ARMD is a sudden loss of central
vision. An early symptom of wet ARMD is straight lines appearing
to be "wavy." The most common symptom of dry ARMD
is slightly blurred vision or the need for more light for reading
and other tasks. An early symptom of dry ARMD is yellow deposits
under the retina, which are detected by your doctor.
