Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration, often called AMD or ARMD, is a major cause of visual impairment in adults over the age of 50, and is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness among Americans over the age of 65. As the baby boomer generation caused a spike in this population of seniors, cases of vision loss from macular degeneration have also increased in recent years.

AMD is degeneration of the macula, which is the center part of the retina and responsible for one's central vision needed to drive or read. Because the macula is responsible for one's central vision, patients with Macular Degeneration often have central vision loss or "blind spots straight ahead."

Forms of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is diagnosed as either dry (non-neovascular) or wet (neovascular). Neovascular refers to abnormal blood vessel growth.

The majority of patients have the dry form (non-neovascular), which is an early stage of the disease and may result from the aging and thinning of macular tissues. Dry macular degeneration is often diagnosed when yellow spots known as drusen begin to build up in and around the macula. It is believed these spots are deposits or debris from deteriorating tissue.

The wet form of the disease usually leads to more serious vision loss. The abnormal growth of blood vessels may lead to blood and protein leakage below the macula, which may cause bleeding or scarring and eventually cause irreversible damage to the photoreceptors.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Symptoms & Signs

Age-related macular degeneration usually produces a slow, painless loss of vision. In rare cases, however, vision loss can be sudden. Early signs of vision loss from AMD include shadowy areas in your central vision or unusually fuzzy or distorted vision.

An Amsler grid consists of straight lines, with a reference dot in the center. Someone with macular degeneration may see some of the lines as wavy or blurred, with some dark areas at the center. Viewing a chart of black lines arranged in a graph pattern (Amsler grid) is one way to tell if you are having these vision problems.

Eye doctors will often detect early signs of macular degeneration before symptoms occur. Usually this is accomplished through a retinal exam. When macular degeneration is suspected, a brief test using an Amsler grid that measures your central vision may be performed.

Call Stolte Eye Center today at (352) 358-0800 to schedule a retinal exam if you are concerned about your risk of Macular Degeneration.

If Dr. Stolte detects some defect in your central vision, such as distortion or blurriness, he may order a fluorescein angiography to examine the retinal blood vessels surrounding the macula.

Who Gets Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Besides affecting older populations, AMD occurs in whites and females in particular. The disease also can result as a side effect of some drugs, and it seems to run in families.

New evidence suggests smoking is a major risk factor for macular degeneration. Other risk factors include having a family member with AMD, high blood pressure, lighter eye color and obesity.

Over-exposure to sunlight also may be a contributing factor in development of macular degeneration, but this theory has not been proven conclusively. A diet high in fat has also been considered a risk factor.

Treatment Options

There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, but some treatments may delay its progression and improve vision.

Your treatment options will vary depending on whether you have the dry form in early stage or the more advanced, wet form that can lead to serious vision loss. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for dry macular degeneration, although nutritional changes may help prevent progression to the wet form.

Dr. Stolte also recommends that dry AMD patients wear sunglasses with UV protection against potentially harmful effects of the sun.

For wet AMD, treatments aimed at stopping abnormal blood vessel growth include FDA-approved drugs of Lucentis, Macugen and Visudyne used with Photodynamic Therapy or PDT. Lucentis has been shown to improve vision in a significant number of people with macular degeneration.

Nutrition and Macular Degeneration

Certain nutrients - zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamins A, C and E - help lower the risk for AMD or slow down the progression of dry macular degeneration. Benefits of high levels of antioxidants and zinc for halting or slowing development of macular degeneration have been widely reported based on results released in 2001 from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) conducted by the National Eye Institute.

Studies show the protective effects against AMD might be associated with nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids or "good fats," and lutein and zeaxanthin found in green, leafy vegetables.

Testing & Low Vision Devices for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment

If you are suffering from Macular Degeneration or are at risk for the condition, Dr. Stolte may ask you to check your vision regularly with the Amsler grid. The Amsler grid is a very sensitive test and it may reveal central vision problems before your eye doctor sees AMD-related damage to the macula in a routine eye exam.

For those who have vision loss from macular degeneration, many low vision devices are available to help with mobility and specific visual tasks.

Contact Us

If you or your family member or spouse is enduring Macular Degeneration, call Stolte Eye Center today at (352) 358-0800 to set up an appointment. We understand what you are going through, and our staff looks forward to meeting with you and providing you with information about your condition. Upon his examination, Dr. Stolte will explain your treatment options and make personalized recommendations based on his assessment.

We offer Macular Degeneration for patients in Spring Hill, Bayonet Point, Brooksville, Crystal River, Homosassa, Hudson, Lutz, New Port Richey, North Tampa, Port Richey, Ridge Manor, Weeki Wachee, Citrus County, Hernando County, Pasco County and surrounding communities.