Age-Related Macular Degeneration

By Samuel H. Yun, MD

Samuel H. Yun Ophthalmology, PLC

. https://www.yuneyecare.com/

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Age-Related Macular Degeneration

A significant portion of Americans older than age 50 are affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or have heard of someone diagnosed with the disease. AMD is a chronic eye disease that affects the center of vision due to retinal degeneration. Unfortunately, getting new glasses or cataract surgery does not help the vision of those affected by AMD. Using the analogy of a camera can help explain this. Getting new glasses or cataract surgery would be similar to adding an expensive lens to a camera with damaged film; with such film, the quality of the new lens will not help get a clearer picture. Likewise, AMD is one of the conditions that damages the film of the camera (the retina) and thus needs to be cared for in different ways.

Smoking

The main risk factors for AMD include age, ethnicity, and genetic factors, which unfortunately are all beyond individuals' control. Cigarette smoking is also a primary modifiable risk factor that has been identified in numerous studies.

Vitamins

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was a large study that examined the effect of the vitamins on AMD. The study found that a certain formulation of vitamins (not regular multivitamins) may decrease the disease progression by 25% over five years. This formulation is also available in chewable tablets for elderly populations who have difficulty swallowing. Individuals with AMD should consult with their eye doctor prior to using vitamins as there have been reports of serious bleeding when vitamins and blood thinners are used simultaneously.

Seek Expert Opinion

Individuals may not perceive any visual disturbances, but they may have early signs of AMD and could benefit from taking vitamins. Those with acute symptoms of blurry or distorted vision may be affected by a certain subset of AMD (Wet AMD) characterized by bleeding and swelling in the back of the eye. A prompt evaluation and treatments may save these individuals' vision and prevent further progression.

Development

Many treatments are available for Wet AMD, and new drugs are currently under development as well. Most notably, Brolucizumab is a new drug for Wet AMD undergoing a clinical trial. Recent results have appeared promising, with increased duration of the medicine showing a similar efficacy as other drugs on the market, which may translate into a decreased frequency of injections in the eye. This new armamentarium signals a new hope for those patients affected by AMD.

AMD affects many Americans with significant visual burden; however, early evaluation and treatment may prevent unnecessary vision loss in the future.