Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition affecting approximately 1.1 million adults in the United States. As this disease progresses, those affected lose the central vision in their eyes.
There are two types of AMD: wet AMD and dry AMD. Dry AMD is by far the more common type, while wet AMD makes up about 10 to 15% of all AMD cases.
Without treatment, wet AMD can progress rapidly and lead to blindness. However, treatments, such as medications and laser therapy, can slow the disease’s progression and preserve vision. Keep reading to learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for wet age-related macular degeneration.
What Causes Wet AMD?
Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is primarily caused by abnormal blood vessel growth (choroidal neovascularization) beneath the macula, which is the central part of the retina. This abnormal growth is associated with the growth of new, fragile blood vessels that leak fluid or blood into the retina, leading to distorted or blurred central vision.
The exact causes of this abnormal blood vessel growth are not completely understood, but several risk factors have been identified:
- Age — AMD typically affects individuals over the age of 50, and the risk increases with age.
- Genetics — A family history of AMD increases the risk of developing the condition.
- Smoking — Smoking is a significant risk factor for AMD, especially the wet type.
- Race — Caucasians are at higher risk compared to other racial groups.
- Cardiovascular Factors — Hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease are associated with an increased risk of AMD.
- Diet and Nutrition — Poor diet, low intake of antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E, and carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin), and high intake of saturated fats may contribute to AMD progression.
- Light Exposure — Chronic exposure to sunlight and blue light may increase the risk.
These factors contribute to the development and progression of wet AMD by affecting the health of the retina and the vascular system supplying it. Early detection and treatment can help manage wet AMD and prevent severe vision loss.
Symptoms of Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
It’s important to note that wet AMD primarily affects central vision, while peripheral vision remains largely unaffected. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially sudden changes or distortion in your central vision, it’s crucial to seek immediate evaluation by an eye care professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve vision and prevent further damage to the retina, as well as address other conditions like a macular hole, which can also impact central vision.
Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) typically manifests with symptoms related to central vision impairment. These symptoms may include:
Blurred and Distorted Vision
With wet AMD, central vision becomes increasingly blurry, making it difficult to see fine details. Objects may appear smaller or farther away than they actually are. You might also notice straight lines appear wavy or crooked, a symptom known as metamorphopsia.
Vision Changes
Because central vision is affected, some with wet AMD can experience difficulty recognizing faces. They may also experience increased sensitivity to light, and colors may appear dull or less intense.
How is Wet AMD Diagnosed?
Diagnosing wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) typically involves a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an eye care professional, usually an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Here are the key steps and tests involved in diagnosing wet AMD:
Medical History
The doctor will first take a detailed medical history, including any symptoms you may be experiencing and any risk factors you may have, such as family history of AMD, smoking habits, and medical conditions like hypertension.
Vision Tests
Doctors might use tests to assess how well you see at various distances. Decreased central vision may indicate wet AMD. In addition, your doctor might ask you to look at an Amsler grid, which is a pattern of straight lines. Distortions or missing areas when looking at a grid can indicate macular degeneration.
Dilated Eye Exam
Eye drops will be used to dilate your pupils, which will allow your eye care professional to examine the back of your eye, including the retina and macula, with a special magnifying lens. This allows for a detailed inspection of any abnormalities, such as drusen (yellow deposits under the retina) or abnormal blood vessels characteristic of AMD.
Imaging Techniques
Various imaging techniques can also be used to diagnose wet AMD. In fluorescein angiography, a dye is injected into a vein in your arm, and photographs are taken as the dye travels through the blood vessels in your eye. This helps identify abnormal blood vessel growth.
An imaging technique called optical coherence provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing the doctor to assess the thickness and structure of the macula and detect any fluid or swelling that may be present under or in the retina.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
Once diagnosed with wet AMD, your eye care professional will discuss treatment options with you, which may include medications (such as anti-VEGF injections), laser therapy, or other approaches aimed at managing and potentially improving your vision. Regular monitoring and follow-up visits are crucial to assess the response to treatment and to monitor any changes in your vision.
Anti-VEGF Therapy
This is the most common treatment for wet AMD. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a protein that promotes the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina in wet AMD. Anti-VEGF drugs are injected into the eye to block the effects of VEGF and reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels. These injections are typically given at regular intervals, often monthly or as needed, based on monitoring.
Photodynamic Therapy
This treatment involves injecting a light-sensitive drug into a vein in your arm. The drug travels to the abnormal blood vessels in your eye. A laser is then used to activate the drug in your eye, damaging the abnormal blood vessels. PDT is less commonly used now compared to anti-VEGF therapy but may still be an option in some instances.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatment (photocoagulation) may be used to destroy abnormal blood vessels that are actively leaking or growing beneath the macula. This approach is less common now due to the potential for damaging surrounding healthy tissue and the availability of more targeted treatments like anti-VEGF therapy.
Nutritional Supplements
Studies have shown certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin, may help reduce the risk of advanced AMD in some individuals. These are typically recommended for individuals with certain high-risk characteristics identified through studies like the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).
Turn to New Vision Eye Center if You’re Concerned About Recent Vision Changes
At New Vision Eye Center, your vision health is our priority. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as blurred or distorted central vision, it’s essential to schedule a comprehensive eye examination with us. Our expert team of ophthalmologists and optometrists utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately detect and diagnose wet AMD.
Early detection is key to preserving your vision and preventing further damage. Whether you’re due for a routine check-up or have concerns about your vision, our compassionate staff is here to provide personalized care and discuss treatment options tailored to your needs.
Take the first step towards clearer vision and book your appointment today at New Vision Eye Center.