Category: Macular Degeneration

Grandparents with a grandson gathered together for a photo representing an article about is macular degeneration inherited

Is Macular Degeneration Inherited?

Posted on by midwestlowvision

If you have immediate relatives with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the question of whether the disease is hereditary is a very personal one, often raising concerns about your own future vision health. In this article, we review what AMD is and discuss how family history and lifestyle factors play into a person’s overall risk for developing macular degeneration.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration, more commonly known as just AMD, is an eye disease that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for central vision. A simple way to think about the eye is like a camera. Light travels through the cornea, pupil, natural lens, and vitreous before reaching the retina at the back of the eye. The macula sits at the center of the retina, and its job is to help us see fine details clearly, whether that’s reading small print, recognizing faces, or telling colors apart. When the macula becomes damaged, these tasks become increasingly difficult.

For people with AMD, the experience is more than just “blurry vision.” While symptoms can vary widely, people with AMD cope with:

  • Distorted or warped vision, such as straight lines appearing crooked, making text difficult to read
  • Dark or blind spots in central vision
  • Needing brighter lights, particularly when doing close-up work
  • Changes in color vision, with colors appearing less vibrant or more difficult to distinguish

How Common is Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration is a highly common condition. Affecting over 20 million Americans, it is the leading cause of vision loss for adults over the age of 50, though AMD’s prevalence is much higher in adults over 60.

Is Macular Degeneration Inherited?

For those who have relatives with AMD, this is the big question. The answer, unfortunately, is not a straightforward one. AMD is not usually inherited in a simple, direct way. Rather, it is a complex condition influenced by both genetics and lifestyle.

Studies indicate that having a first-degree relative—a parent or sibling, for example—with AMD means your risk is about 3 to 4 times higher compared to someone without that family history. Researchers have identified over 30 genes associated with the risk of developing AMD. This tells us there is a genetic component to AMD; however, association does not mean causation, and just because a person carries these genes does not guarantee they will develop AMD.

Genetics is not the only factor in whether someone will go on to develop the disease—lifestyle also plays a role. That means family history certainly matters, but it does not determine your future by itself. A useful way our low vision colleague in North Carolina, Dr. Edward L. Paul, Jr., OD, PhD, FIALVS, explains this is: “Genetics loads the gun, but lifestyle often pulls the trigger.”

What Lifestyle Factors Influence the Development of AMD?

There are a number of lifestyle factors that can influence the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. These include:

  • Smoking: Smoking is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for AMD. Studies show smokers have a substantially higher risk of AMD than non-smokers, and smoking is repeatedly identified as an important environmental risk factor.
  • Advanced age: While not a controllable risk factor unfortunately (if only!), advanced age is one of the leading factors in the development of AMD. The risk increases after the age of 60 and goes up with added years.
  • Cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure: The eyes need healthy blood vessels to provide oxygen and nutrients. Conditions that decrease circulation, such as cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure, can reduce blood flow and increase the risk of macular degeneration.
  • Poor nutrition: Nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C and E are critical to eye health, and a diet lacking in these is a known risk factor for AMD.
  • Excess weight: Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle have been associated with a higher risk of developing macular degeneration.
  • Long-term UV light exposure: Research has indicated that long-term exposure to UV light may contribute to retinal damage.

Can You Prevent Macular Degeneration?

Because AMD is a complex disease controlled by genetics and lifestyle factors, it is not possible to 100% prevent the disease. You can, however, significantly reduce your risk of it, or slow the progression of the disease if you’ve already been diagnosed, in several ways:

Conclusion

While age-related macular degeneration does run in some families, it is only one piece of the puzzle. Developing AMD is not a certainty, and it does not always lead to significant vision loss or low vision. If AMD runs in your family, the most important thing you can do is live a healthy lifestyle and keep up with regular eye exams, as early detection allows for timely intervention, should changes be observed. If you are dealing with vision loss from macular degeneration, get in touch with us today. We’re here to help.

An older woman using a magnifier to see better representing the low vision aids for macular degeneration

What Low Vision Aids Help for Macular Degeneration?

Posted on by midwestlowvision

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss for people over 60. Because the condition affects central vision, tasks requiring sharp, detailed sight, such as reading, recognizing faces, or viewing street signs, can be challenging. Such vision difficulties are disheartening and can even be dangerous. Fortunately, there are low vision aids for macular degeneration available that can help you overcome such challenges and make the most of your remaining vision.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD for short, is a medical condition affecting the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. If you think of the eye like a camera, the light passes through the cornea, pupil, the natural lens, and the vitreous humour until it reaches the retina at the back. The macula sits right in the middle of that retina, handling fine details, faces, colors, etc., and this is the area that becomes damaged by macular degeneration. Some of the symptoms of this disease include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty reading small print
  • Changes in color vision
  • Distorted vision, in which straight lines like door frames may appear wavy or bent
  • Loss of central vision, as the condition progresses

What Challenges Do People with AMD Face?

The loss of sharp central vision can create many challenges in day-to-day life. People with AMD express difficulty with:

  • Reading or Writing: Printed items like books, magazines, prescription labels, or food ingredient lists can become hard to distinguish, as the letters may appear fuzzy or distorted. Similarly, because writing requires focusing on fine details, it can be challenging to fill out forms, make out checks, or jot to-do lists.
  • Viewing Screens: While a phone may be a handy size to carry in the pocket, the compact nature of the device requires the print on the screen to be equally small. Even watching television is challenging, as the loss of central vision, in combination with glare and poor contrast, can make details hard to discern.
  • Recognizing Faces: Perhaps one of the most frustrating challenges of AMD is difficulty seeing faces clearly. This can lead to awkward social encounters, misunderstanding, and disengagement from social interaction.

What to Know Before Buying Low Vision Aids for Macular Degeneration

AMD is a challenge, but thankfully, there are many aids and devices out there that can help. But before you go out and purchase any old device, here are some tips and tricks that are important to know:

  1. There is no “best” low vision aid. The correct tool depends entirely on the task and the patient’s remaining vision. On a similar note, there is no singular device that suits all tasks.
  2. Magnification strength is irrelevant without clarity, field of view, and proper optics. In other words, magnification strength alone doesn’t promote better vision. The device also needs to be quality enough to provide clear, sharp images that are comfortable to view with minimal distortion. It also helps to have a tool with a large enough field of view so that you aren’t having to move the device around often.
  3. Optical magnifiers can only get so strong before they become impractical. Around 12×–14× magnification is usually the upper limit, but beyond that point, the field of view is too small to be useful. For stronger magnification, you’ll want to use CCTV, digital wearables, or microscopic systems instead.
  4. Be cautious when buying online. One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying random devices on Amazon. Unfortunately, low-quality devices fail more often than they succeed.
  5. Consider your lighting first. Lighting can greatly improve early symptoms before magnification is even added. A good desk lamp will outperform low-quality hardware.
  6. Think about glare control. Amber filters, brown polarized lenses, anti-reflective coatings, or overlays can dramatically improve comfort.
  7. Contrast enhancement matters. Patients often underestimate just how much increased contrast on your digital devices can make text or objects easier to see.
  8. Take advantage of inexpensive upgrades. There are a number of free apps, such as Seeing AI, SuperVision+, and Magnifier, that can help you zoom in on text both on your screen and out in the world. In addition, your phone likely comes with a number of accessibility features like screen readers, magnification, high-contrast modes, and voice commands that can help you use your device more successfully.

What Low Vision Aids Help for Macular Degeneration?

If vision loss becomes more severe, it might be time to consider more specialized tools. Because no tool functions for all tasks, it is important to consider what activity you want to improve, and then select the device that is suited to that need. Here is some information to help:

Reading Aids for Macular Degeneration

High-quality LED handheld magnifiers remain the go-to choice for portable reading, with 3x-7x illuminated magnifiers providing the best balance between magnification strength and a large enough field of view. For sustained, hands-free reading, prescription low vision glasses–such as prismatic, microscopic, or telescopic lenses–offer a solution. For patients with severe central vision loss, CCTV or video magnifiers like the Explore 12 by Humanware outperform optical magnifiers for prolonged reading. Task lighting is also essential, with LED options such as Verilux or Ottlite in the 4000-5000K range.

Using a Phone with Macular Degeneration

Prescription low vision glasses—such as prismatic, microscopic, or telescopic lenses—are important tools, but many patients find that built-in accessibility features on their devices are often enough for everyday tasks. Increasing font size, enabling bold text, using a zoom window, or turning on VoiceOver or TalkBack can make a big difference, especially for those near the legal-blindness threshold. A tablet often works better than a phone because the larger screen provides more usable space while keeping the same familiar ecosystem. For patients with more advanced vision loss, electronic video magnifiers with HDMI-to-phone mirroring can greatly enlarge the user interface and make digital devices much more accessible.

Watching TV with Macular Degeneration

Watching TV with macular degeneration can become difficult as central vision declines, but several tools can significantly improve clarity. Full-diameter telescopic glasses and bioptic telescopes help magnify the screen, making details easier to see from a comfortable distance. VisionBuddy remains the strongest digital option for television specifically, offering a direct HDMI feed that delivers a magnified image into the headset. Before making the investment into a specialized device, however, consider whether a larger TV may sufficiently meet your needs.

Recognizing Faces with Macular Degeneration

Recognizing faces with macular degeneration requires both the right tools and proper training. The strongest optical systems for this task are telescopes—whether full-diameter telescopic glasses or bioptic telescopes—which can magnify facial features at a distance. Digital systems like IrisVision, VisionBuddy, eSight, and NuEyes Pro 3 take this even further by providing powerful magnification, contrast enhancement, and dynamic zoom, giving patients multiple ways to bring a person’s face into clearer view. These technologies, alongside support from a low vision specialist, can significantly improve a person’s ability to recognize the people around them.

Conclusion

Living with AMD presents very real challenges, from reading to recognizing faces. While this can be a frustrating experience, low vision aids for macular degeneration do exist that can help you make the most of your remaining vision. If you have concerns about macular degeneration, or you would like to learn more about specialized low vision tools and devices, we’re here to help.

A scientist uses a microscope representing new treatments for macular degeneration

6 Promising New Treatments for Macular Degeneration You Should Know About [2025]

Posted on by midwestlowvision

It is estimated that 200 million people worldwide are currently living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of vision loss for older adults. For several decades now, treatments have been available to slow the progress of this disease, and with each passing year, medical advancements move us closer to a cure. In this article, we explore 6 promising new treatments for macular degeneration, including gene therapy, novel drugs, and other technologies.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a medical condition affecting the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. If we think of the eye like a camera: Light passes through several layers, including the cornea, the natural lens, and the jelly-like vitreous until it reaches the retina at the back. The macula, a highly specialized part of the retina, is located at the center of the back of the eye. Macular degeneration damages this area, making it harder to see fine details, recognize faces, or distinguish colors.

There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is the more common form of AMD, accounting for the majority of cases. Dry AMD occurs when tiny protein deposits called drusen build up under the retina and interfere with the macula’s ability to function correctly. With wet AMD, what is happening is that your body is attempting to “fix” the dry macular degeneration problem by creating new blood vessels to supply more oxygen and nutrients. While helpful in other parts of the body, this does more harm than good in the eye. These new blood vessels often leak fluid, which then damages your vision faster than dry macular degeneration might. It is important to note that you cannot develop wet AMD without having dry AMD first.

Current Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment

Current treatment for AMD depends on the type and stage of the disease. A comprehensive eye exam, utilizing tools like a visual field test, Amsler grid, fluorescein angiography, and OCT scans, can determine a patient’s progression and inform the care plan.

For individuals with dry AMD, there are currently no widely accepted medical treatments. Management focuses on slowing the progression of the disease. Recommendations include:

  • Eating a nutritious diet high in antioxidants
  • Quitting smoking
  • Keeping blood pressure under control
  • If recommended by your doctor, taking vitamin supplements containing lutein or zeaxanthin

For wet AMD, an injectable medication called an anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) can stop the growth of excess blood vessels and reduce leakage. Ranibizumab (Lucentis), aflibercept (Eylea), and bevacizumab (Avastin), the three primary drugs used today, are injected directly into the eye, generally on a regular schedule. Studies have found anti-VEGF treatment to stabilize vision in 90% of patients, and in 30%, the medication actually improves vision. In addition to anti-VEGF medicine, other wet AMD treatments may include laser therapy and photodynamic therapy.

6 Promising New Treatments for Macular Degeneration

While we are still working toward a cure, new treatments for macular degeneration are emerging, driven by a greater understanding of underlying disease mechanisms, with the hope of targeting not just the symptoms of AMD, but the root causes. The goal remains to preserve, or improve, vision and deliver treatments to patients in as minimally invasive a way as possible.

Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is currently being explored for both wet and dry AMD. Unlike current injectable treatments, gene therapy aims to “teach” the eye to make its own anti-VEGF proteins, potentially reducing the need for patients to endure frequent, uncomfortable injections. The two top prospects for wet AMD include RGX-314 and ADVM-022, both of which are in clinical trials. Gene therapy may also be effective for dry AMD as well, with HMR59 and GT005 as the two candidates showing promise in reducing the geographic atrophy of late-stage dry AMD.

Stem Cell Therapy for AMD

Stem cell therapy focuses on replacing retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells that are damaged or lost due to AMD with healthy ones derived from stem cells. While early studies are promising, current research focuses on developing a safe, effective delivery system  for these lab-created cells that allows them to integrate properly into the retina and function long-term. If successful, stem cell therapy could offer a way to actually restore vision by repairing the damage done by AMD.

Complement Inhibitors for Late-Stage Dry AMD

In the advanced stage of dry AMD, called geographic atrophy, the disease causes a progressive growth of lesions that start at the edge of the retina and move inward toward the macula. Research suggests that a part of the immune system called the complement system contributes to this degeneration. The complement system typically helps the body to fight infection and clear damaged cells, but in the case of dry AMD, this system can go into overdrive, increasing inflammation and attacking healthy retinal tissue. To combat this process, a new class of drugs called complement inhibitors aim to reduce immune overactivity. Called pegcetacoplan (Syfovre) and avacincaptad pegol (Izervay), these medications were approved in 2023 after showing significant reduction in lesion growth rate.

Long-Acting Anti-VEGF Drugs for Wet AMD

While anti-VEGF injections have proven effectiveness, one of the downsides of these medications is the frequency of dosing required. The procedure involves using a fine needle to inject medication into the gel-like vitreous of the eye, and on average, patients must undergo this procedure every few months. While the procedure itself may sound uncomfortable, the greater challenge reported by patients is generally the number of shots required. Many AMD patients are older and have limited mobility or transportation, and it can be challenging to find a caregiver or family member to assist with regular appointments. Long-acting anti-VEGF drugs aim to eliminate this challenge by reducing the frequency of injections required for treatment by offering sustained-release in one dose. Such treatments were approved in 2023 and are known as aflibercept (Eylea HD) and faricimab (Vabysmo).

Novel Anti-VEGF Drug Delivery System for Wet AMD

Alongside new long-lasting anti-VEGF medications, another solution to reduce the frequency of injections for patients comes in the form of a surgically implanted device called ranibizumab (Susvimo). This implant, placed just under the eyelid, provides continuous release of medication over a period of typically 6 months, at which point it needs to be refilled. Though the procedure to implant the device requires a minor surgery as well as routine monitoring, the system delivers outcomes equal to standard anti-VEGF treatments, while reducing the need for frequent office visits.

Light Therapy

In 2024, the FDA approved a non-invasive treatment for dry AMD called photobiomodulation, or more simply, light therapy. Branded the Valeda Light Delivery System, this method uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate mitochondria cells in the eye to produce more energy and improve cellular function. Studies demonstrated that this therapy slows the progression toward more severe vision loss, and some participants actually experienced improved vision. Light therapy has been used for some time to treat a range of other skin and musculoskeletal conditions. It has also been studied for other eye diseases, including childhood myopia, diabetic eye disease, and retinitis pigmentosa.

Conclusion

The introduction of anti-VEGF medications several decades ago was a significant step in battling vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration. Now, in 2025, we are seeing advancements in research that aim to not just stop the progression of disease, but to restore sight—and to achieve this in a more personalized and minimally invasive way. Regarding new treatments for macular degeneration, the future looks bright.

At Midwest Low Vision, our goal is to help individuals with AMD and other degenerative eye conditions regain functional eyesight despite their conditions. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help, get in touch with us today.

A patient with macular degeneration tries on some lenses representing 5 facts you may not know about macular degeneration

5 Facts About Macular Degeneration Drusen You May Not Know

Posted on by midwestlowvision

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss, and one of the defining features of this condition is called drusen. Drusen are small yellow or white deposits of lipids and proteins that accumulate beneath the retina. While very small drusen can be a normal part of aging, and not indicative of AMD, larger and more numerous drusen are often early signs of disease development. In this article, we will explore 5 interesting insights about macular degeneration drusen that you may not know:

Not All Drusen Are Macular Degeneration Drusen

While the term drusen is, more often than not, linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) drusen, these deposits can appear in other eye conditions, and also in healthy eyes. Small, hard, well-defined drusen can develop as a natural part of aging, generally in people 50 or older, and may never lead to AMD. The characteristics that may indicate macular degeneration drusen involve size, quantity, and the effect on surrounding retinal structures. These drusen, in contrast, are typically soft, large, and numerous. They tend to have indistinct borders and cluster together, which can interfere with retinal function, and eventually lead to vision loss.

Drusen Generally Don’t Cause Any Symptoms

Surprisingly, most people do not experience any symptoms that would indicate the presence of drusen—it is often a routine eye exam that will discover them. Having drusen does not guarantee you will go on to develop AMD. For those that do develop the disease though, macular degeneration does have some common symptoms, including:

  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty reading small print
  • Changes in color vision
  • Distorted vision
  • Central blind spots

Overall Physical Health Can Influence Drusen Formation

While macular degeneration drusen formation happens in the eye, there are strong correlations with the processes taking place in the body as well. Research suggests that overall health significantly influences the formation and progression of age-related macular degeneration drusen. Chronic inflammatory conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease have been linked to a higher risk for AMD. Additionally, connections have been shown between cardiovascular disease and the formation of macular degeneration. Such research underscores the importance of maintaining good overall health and managing chronic conditions. Early management, including smoking cessation, a healthy diet, and proper exercise, may potentially lessen the risk of drusen formation, and AMD progression.

 

A Healthy Diet May Prevent Enlargement of Macular Degeneration Drusen

A healthy diet is important for so many reasons, and the eyes are no exception. Diets rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and certain vitamins may keep drusen from growing larger and slow the progression of AMD. Specifically, a healthy diet for the eyes should include:

  • Fruits and vegetables: Incorporate leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as orange and yellow produce like carrots and peppers, to get vitamins A, C, and E into your diet. Additionally, these foods offer the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which play a lead role in protecting the macula.
  • Fatty fish like salmon and tuna, along with flaxseeds, and chia seeds: These foods are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies show that omega-3 foods may reduce inflammation and hinder the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eyes.
  • Legumes: Black beans, lima beans, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, and more, are excellent sources of zinc. This mineral helps to keep the retina healthy and also protects against the damaging effects of UV light.

Macular Degeneration Drusen Formation May Have Unique Genetic Component

It is well-established that genetics can be a contributor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Now, recent research suggests that there may be a unique genetic component to the formation of drusen. A study focused on members of the Amish community found that certain genetic variations were linked to drusen formation, though they were not strongly connected to known AMD genes. This suggests that drusen may follow at least a partially separate genetic pathway than AMD itself. Understanding these factors can help improve screening and treatment approaches before significant vision loss occurs.

Conclusion

Macular degeneration drusen are small spots, but they provide a big look into the health of our eyes, and perhaps even our overall well-being. Understanding the characteristics of drusen, and the factors that contribute to their formation, can help us better protect our vision. As research continues to uncover new insights, we advance early detection and improve our ability to slow down the progression of AMD. If you have concerns about drusen or age-related macular degeneration, or if you would like to learn more about low vision care for your patients, give us a call at 877-577-2040, or contact us on our website.

Dr. Jarrod Long discussing the difference between wet and dry macular degeneration in his optometry office.

What is the Difference between Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration?

Posted on by midwestlowvision

What is the Difference Between Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration or AMD, is a common cause of vision loss for people aged 50 and older. When discussing macular degeneration, it is important to understand the difference between the two types: wet and dry macular degeneration. Each type of the condition affects vision in different ways and requires unique approaches to treatment. Knowing the differences can help patients and medical providers make informed decisions and potentially mitigate the progression of the disease.

What is Macular Degeneration?

To understand what AMD is, let’s start by looking at the structure of the eye. It helps to think of the eye like a camera. When light enters the eye, it first passes through the cornea, which acts as the lens at the front of the eye. Next, it moves through the natural lens, located just behind the colored iris and the black pupil. From there, the light travels through the jelly-like vitreous inside the eye and reaches the retina at the back. The macula, a highly specialized part of the retina, is located at the center of the back of the eye.

Macular degeneration affects this critical area, damaging the retina and making it harder to see fine details, read, recognize faces, or distinguish colors.

What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration, and What Does Someone See?

Often an initial symptom of many illnesses is the presence of pain, which may indicate there is a problem. Macular degeneration, however, is not associated with pain, which can make its presence go overlooked at first. Some of the early symptoms include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty reading small print
  • Changes in color vision
  • Distorted vision, in which straight lines like door frames may appear wavy or bent

As macular degeneration advances, people begin to experience a loss of central vision. This means that the object of their focus is missing. For instance, if you look at someone’s face, you might only see the ears and shoulders, but not the face itself. Or if you look at a clock, you may see the numbers, but not the hands.

It’s important to note that having some of the above symptoms does not necessarily mean you have macular degeneration; other eye conditions, like cataracts or refractive error, may cause similar symptoms, so it’s important to get a proper evaluation from your eye doctor to determine the precise cause of your symptoms.

What is Dry Macular Degeneration?

To understand the difference between wet and dry macular degeneration, the first thing to know is that you can’t develop wet macular degeneration without first having dry macular degeneration. Dry, or atrophic, macular degeneration is the more common form, accounting for nearly 80% of AMD cases. It occurs when parts of the macula deteriorate due to the accumulation of protein deposits called drusen under the retina. These drusen interfere with the macula’s ability to function correctly. In the majority of cases, AMD does not advance beyond the presence of drusen and some color changes; however, more advanced stages lead to geographic atrophy, in which larger swaths of the retina are affected.

What is Wet Macular Degeneration?

What happens with wet, or exudative, macular degeneration is that your body attempts to “fix” the dry macular degeneration problem in the macula by creating new blood vessels to supply more oxygen and nutrients. While this response might heal other parts of the body, it doesn’t work well in the eye. Instead, these new blood vessels often leak fluid, or even blood, which leads to the name “wet macular degeneration.” Unfortunately, this leakage damages your vision faster than dry macular degeneration does.

Risk Factors of Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration can be caused by genetic, environmental, or lifestyle factors. When we talk about the difference between wet and dry macular degeneration, the risk factors for both are generally the same and include:

  • Age: Age is the biggest risk factor; the condition primarily affects individuals over the age of 60.
  • Family history: If you have had a family member with macular degeneration, you have a greater chance of developing it.
  • Ethnicity: AMD is more common in white people.
  • Smoking: Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen reaching parts of your body, including your eyes, which leads to increased retinal damage over time.
  • Obesity: Carrying excess weight can increase inflammation that contributes to AMD.
  • High blood pressure: Like smoking, hypertension reduces the oxygen to your eyes.
  • Poor diet: A low-quality diet deprives eyes of the nutrients needed to maintain healthy vision.

Again, before a person can develop wet macular degeneration, they must have dry macular degeneration first. Having more risk factors is not a guarantee that dry macular degeneration will progress to wet macular degeneration, but it does increase the likelihood.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of both types of AMD begins with a comprehensive eye exam, which may include a visual field test, an Amsler grid test, a fluorescein angiography, or optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging test. These diagnostics will indicate the presence of macular degeneration and the stage it is in.

Currently there is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, but there are treatments and lifestyle changes that will slow its progression. For dry AMD, eating a diet high in antioxidants, quitting smoking, managing high blood pressure, and if recommended by your doctor, taking vitamin supplements containing lutein or zeaxanthin can benefit retinal health.

For wet AMD, injectable medications exist that can stop the growth of excess blood vessels and reduce leakage. Other treatments may include laser therapy and photodynamic therapy.

Further, a low vision doctor assists by evaluating your remaining vision and recommending specialized glasses, magnifiers, or other visual aids that can help restore functional vision to meet your lifestyle goals.

Next Steps

If you suffer from macular degeneration and are interested in learning more about the aids available to boost functional vision and get back to your daily activities, seek out a low vision doctor near you. If you are in the Bloomington, Clarksville, or Evansville, Indiana areas, Midwest Low Vision can help you take control of your macular degeneration and regain quality of life. Give us a call at 877-577-2040 or contact us on our website.