What is AMD?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that generally results from aging and affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. It is one of the main causes of vision loss in people aged 50 and over in developed countries. AMD can manifest itself in two forms: the dry form, which is the most common and less severe, and the wet form, which is rarer but can lead to rapid and severe vision loss.
How can AMD be detected?
Early detection of AMD can be achieved through a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including a visual acuity test and fundus examination. An ophthalmologist can also use techniques such as fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to observe changes in the retina.
What are the symptoms of AMD?
Symptoms of AMD include a progressive decline in central vision, difficulty seeing fine details, altered color perception, and the presence of blurred areas or a dark spot in the center of the visual field. These symptoms can impact everyday activities such as reading, driving or recognizing faces.
Are there any treatments for AMD?
AMD treatment depends on the form of the disease. For the dry form, treatment options focus primarily on preventing the disease's progression through dietary supplements rich in vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin and zinc. For the wet form, treatments may include intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs, which help reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina.
What causes AMD?
The exact causes of AMD are not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified. Age is the main factor, but others, such as smoking, obesity, a diet low in fruit and vegetables, and prolonged exposure to UV rays, can also increase the risk of developing this disease.
How can AMD be prevented?
Preventing AMD can involve a number of strategies. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with a diet rich in leafy green vegetables and fish, quitting smoking, and protecting your eyes from the sun with UV-protective sunglasses are key preventive measures. Regular eye examinations are also advisable, especially after the age of 50.
What impact does AMD have on quality of life?
AMD can significantly affect quality of life, reducing the ability to perform activities requiring sharp, detailed vision. Loss of central vision can make reading, driving and even face recognition difficult, contributing to a sense of isolation and dependence. Special visual aids and vision rehabilitation therapies can help manage these challenges.
What's the difference between early AMD and advanced AMD?
Early AMD is often asymptomatic, detected only by an ophthalmological examination which may reveal small druses or slight retinal abnormalities. Advanced AMD, on the other hand, manifests itself as significant loss of central vision, either due to geographic atrophy in the advanced dry form, or the presence of subretinal neovascularization in the wet form. Distinguishing between these stages is crucial to the management and treatment of the disease.
Can I continue to drive if diagnosed with AMD?
The ability to drive with AMD depends on the stage and severity of vision loss. Individuals with early AMD can often continue to drive, but those with significant vision loss may have to limit or stop driving for safety reasons. It is important to consult an ophthalmologist regularly to assess driving ability.
Can children develop AMD?
AMD is primarily an age-related disease, generally affecting people over 50. However, rare AMD-like conditions can occur in younger people, often due to genetic factors. These conditions are usually classified separately and require specific diagnosis and treatment.
How does current research influence the treatment of AMD?
Current AMD research is focusing on a number of areas, including the improvement of anti-VEGF treatments for the wet form and the development of new approaches for the dry form, such as gene therapy and treatments to protect and regenerate retinal cells. These advances could potentially improve treatment outcomes and offer new options for patients in the future.
Are there any associations or resources for people with AMD?
Many associations offer support and information to people with AMD. These organizations can provide educational resources, facilitate access to specialized care, and offer visual aid and psychological support programs. It is recommended that patients and their families get in touch with these associations to better manage the disease and its impact on daily life.
