Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in Americans over the age of 60. It is estimated that 10 million people suffer from AMD. The prevalence of AMD increases with increasing age.

AMD is caused by a breakdown of the macula of the eye. The macula functions as a small area in the retina in the back of the eye that allows us to see fine details clearly. The retina functions as the “film” of a camera, processing images for the eye, and the macula is the “bull’s eye” of the retina.

AMD is broken down into “dry” and “wet” AMD. Most people have “dry” AMD, and visual loss is usually very gradual. “Wet” AMD is less common and usually occurs in about 10% of the people who have AMD. People who have “wet” AMD may experience rapid and severe vision loss.

Because the macula is in the center of the retina, someone with macular degeneration will have the center of their eyesight compromised and therefore will see a blurred or dark spot. People who have AMD do not lose their peripheral sight.

AMD rarely causes complete blindness. In many cases, the progression of AMD may be slight and steady. It may be even more difficult to recognize slight changes if it occurs in only one eye. Our doctors can help detect the early stages of AMD during your routine eye examination. It is extremely important to communicate any changes in your vision, regardless of how seemingly slight or insignificant you may consider them to be.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact the South County Eye Care eye doctors to schedule an appointment:

• • Loss of central vision. A dark, empty or blurred spot appears in the center of your vision.
• • Distorted vision. Straight lines such as doorways or window frames appear wavy or bent.
• • Difficulty reading or performing tasks that require the ability to see detail.