Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) occurs in the macula in the back of the eye. The macula is part of the retina and contains the “cones,” a type of nerve cell responsible for clear vision and color vision. When AMD develops, the cones are disturbed and vision is significantly and negatively effected.
There are two types of AMD – wet and dry. The wet form is less common, but can progress quickly and profoundly. The symptoms are the same – blurred central vision, distorted central vision and missing areas of vision. A person with advanced AMD would not be able to distinguish facial features when looking straight ahead, but peripheral areas would still be visible.
Who gets AMD?
Many things contribute to the risk of developing AMD: age, race, family history, history of smoking, exposure to UV light, obesity, hypertension and a high fat diet. Some of these risks factors are controllable and prevention is recommended. Early AMD does not always have symptoms. Regular dilated eye exams can increase awareness and prevent devastating vision loss.
To read more about AMD symptoms, treatment and prevention click here.