Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): What You Need to Know

Age-related macular degeneration is a condition that affects vision sharpness, but many people don’t know about it. It’s relatively common and can affect anyone, but being Caucasian is a major risk factor.

People at risk for AMD can significantly reduce their risk with lifestyle changes and professional treatments. At Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge, our four experienced providers offer several cutting-edge treatments for conditions such as AMD, cataracts, and glaucoma.

What is AMD?

AMD is a condition that affects the sharpness of vision that’s necessary for reading and driving. It’s a condition that damages the macula, a part of the retina, causing central vision loss. It doesn’t affect peripheral vision.

Dry and wet are the two types of AMD. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 80% of people with AMD have the dry form. Dry AMD happens when the macula's essential parts thin and tiny deposits form, leading to central vision loss.

Wet AMD is less common but more severe than dry AMD. Unusual blood vessels form within the retina in people with wet AMD. They can leak various fluids, causing rapid vision loss without treatment.

Risk factors for AMD

Understanding your risk of AMD is crucial to maintaining your vision health. A major risk factor is being Caucasian, which you can’t change. Another risk factor for AMD is having a first-degree relative who has had the condition.

Age is another non-modifiable risk factor for age-related AMD. People over 50 are at risk of developing the condition. Other factors that increase the likelihood of developing AMD include:

• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Having high blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Eating a diet high in saturated fat
• Having heart disease

Many of these factors aren’t modifiable, but some are. Taking the time to eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, and get treatment for high blood pressure or high cholesterol can help prevent vision loss.

Lifestyle changes to reduce AMD risk

The best way to reduce your risk of AMD is through regular eye exams with our team. They can spot signs of AMD well before you experience symptoms. It’s also essential to watch for vision issues and get in as soon as you notice a problem.

Quitting smoking reduces AMD risk. Other changes include eating a healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol and exercising regularly.

Proven AMD treatments

If you find yourself with an AMD diagnosis, all hope isn’t lost. We offer several treatments that slow the progression of the disease and preserve central vision.

We treat dry AMD with Syfovre®, which slows the progression of geographic atrophy. We also recommend taking a supplement containing zinc and antioxidant vitamins to help slow the progression of vision loss.

The best treatment for wet AMD is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. These injections prevent the formation of new blood vessels and the leakage of blood and fluids into the retina.

We discuss each treatment option to determine the best one for your needs and vision.

Schedule an appointment at our Brooklyn, New York, office for a macular degeneration screening. Contact Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge today, or book your general eye exam online.