Reviewed By: Dr. Tanuj P. Banker, M.D.
Seniors face a heightened risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness among older adults in the United States. AMD damages central vision, making it difficult to read, recognize faces, and perform daily tasks. As of 2020, approximately 11 million Americans were affected by AMD, and this number is expected to reach nearly 22 million by 2050. Despite its prevalence, AMD is less well-known compared to other eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma.
To raise awareness of AMD and its impact, Center For Sight of Southwest Florida, along with organizations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology, want to remind seniors that their eyes need love too. This AMD Awareness Month and every month, there are actionable steps seniors can take to care for their eyes and protect themselves from AMD-related blindness.
What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
To find the connection between aging and AMD in senior eye health, all you need to do is look at the aging eye. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a retina condition that affects the macula, which is the central part of the back of the eye. This part of the eye is responsible for sharp, central vision, which is crucial for tasks like reading fine print, seeing vivid colors, and recognizing faces.
There are two types of AMD: dry and wet.
Dry AMD: This is the more common type, affecting about 8 out of 10 people with macular degeneration. It causes a gradual and subtle loss of vision due to the breakdown of cells in the retina. People with dry AMD might notice that parts of letters seem missing or that straight lines appear wavy.
Wet AMD: This type is less common but more severe. It causes distorted vision, where objects may appear differently in size for each eye. Wet AMD can lead to a sudden, severe loss of central vision because of leaking blood vessels growing in or under the retina. If you see a large dark spot in the center of your vision, it’s important to see an eye doctor right away for a diabetic retinal exam or standard retinal exam.
Prevention and Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
When it comes to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), prevention and early treatment help preserve vision and maintain a good quality of life. Here are some specific steps you can take to prevent and manage AMD:
Regular Adult Eye Exams: Regular adult eye exams and even diabetic eye exams are essential for early detection of AMD. Treatable conditions like glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve, and AMD, which creates blind spots, don’t necessarily have warning signs. However, they can be pinpointed early with an eye exam for seniors. Early detection allows for timely intervention and better management of the condition. Learn more about Center For Sight’s adult eye exams on our website.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Overall health affects eyesight, so it’s crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes managing systemic health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes, which can seriously damage the eyes. Here are some eye health tips for seniors to prevent AMD progression:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: A well-balanced diet helps maintain a healthy weight, lowering the odds of obesity and related diseases like diabetes. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E might help ward off age-related vision problems like macular degeneration. To get them, eat more:
- Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collards
- Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish
- Eggs, nuts, beans, and other non-meat protein sources
- Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices
- Oysters and pork
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking is linked to a higher risk of cataracts and AMD, which strikes twice as many smokers as non-smokers. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing AMD.
- Wear Sunglasses: Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays boosts your chances of cataracts and macular degeneration. Wear sunglasses with wraparound lenses to protect your eyes from UV light entering from the side.
- Take Breaks from Screens: Too much screen time can result in short-term eye strain and loss of focus. To keep your vision crisp, experts recommend the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, focus on something besides your device for 20 seconds, 20 feet into the distance.
Treatment Options for AMD
It’s good to recognize the importance of AMD screenings for senior eye health because they can uncover treatments that fit your health and lifestyle. These treatments for both dry and wet AMD include:
- Dry AMD: While there is no cure for dry AMD, certain lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements can help slow its progression and be planned during an eye test for seniors. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that specific supplements can reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD by about 25%.
Center For Sight also offers Izervay for Dry AMD. Izervay has shown excellent results in treating dry macular degeneration and slowing the progression of the disease. - Wet AMD: For wet AMD, treatments such as anti-VEGF injections have been shown to improve vision and slow the progression of the disease. These injections work by inhibiting the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
Treat Your Eyes with Love This AMD Month – Book With Center For Sight!
Just like staying active and engaged is so important for enjoying our later years, keeping our vision healthy is absolutely essential. With this month’s age-related macular degeneration awareness for seniors, it’s a great time for older adults to think about their eye health and the importance of regular checkups.
So, if it’s been a while since your last visit, why not schedule an appointment or diabetes eye test with your eye doctor? We’re here to help – contact Center For Sight of Southwest Florida anytime if you have questions, need guidance, or want to schedule a consultation. We provide services to four locations in Southwest Florida to help our patients’ eyes age naturally and gracefully.
**Please note that the suggestions provided in this blog are for general informational purposes only and may not be suitable for your specific insurance plan and AMD needs. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.**
