As the name already says, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs only in older age, usually from the age of 60. This is connected to the increasing life expectancy, which means that more and more people are affected. The retinal damage in macular degeneration leads to severe visual impairment. The impairment of vision in the central visual field is caused by the death of retinal cells.
You should see an eye doctor immediately if you are over 60 years old, notice a deterioration in vision, or see straight lines as bent, wavy, or distorted.
Even if you do not yet notice any restrictions in your vision, your eye doctor can detect changes in the retina. Using a magnifying glass, the back of the eye and the macula are examined at the slit lamp. Vision is tested with an Amsler grid test and visual symbols on the vision chart. Optical coherence tomography can provide important information about the condition of the retina. A dye examination of the retina (fluorescein angiography) can show and locate fluid leakage from the blood vessels.
Two forms of AMD are known. A distinction is made between dry and wet macular degeneration. The most common form is dry macular degeneration. The associated visual impairment develops slowly. As the visual acuity in the center of the field of vision gradually decreases, reading becomes more difficult first.
Wet macular degeneration is the rarer and more severe form. The loss of central vision progresses much faster. In the advanced stage, only a dark spot in the visual field can be seen. The wet form can develop from the dry form.
Measures for prevention, advice, and treatment options are offered to you by Augenland.
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