Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Leading cause of central vision loss after age 60. The wet (neovascular) form has effective treatment with intravitreal injections.
What Is AMD?
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative condition of the macula, the central area of the retina responsible for sharp vision, reading, and recognizing faces. It is more common after age 60 and is influenced by genetics, smoking, cardiovascular health, and cumulative sun exposure.
Dry Form vs. Wet Form
Dry AMD accounts for 85–90% of cases. It is characterized by the gradual accumulation of deposits called drusen beneath the retina and slow thinning of macular cells. Progression is usually slow over years.
Wet (Neovascular or Exudative) AMD occurs when abnormal, fragile blood vessels grow beneath the macula, leaking fluid and blood. It causes rapid distortion and central vision loss and requires prompt treatment.
Warning Symptoms
- •Straight lines (door frames, tiles, text) appearing wavy or bent (metamorphopsia).
- •A dark, smudged, or blank spot in the center of vision.
- •Need for brighter light when reading and faded color perception.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis combines dilated fundus examination with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which detects subretinal or intraretinal fluid with micrometer precision.
For dry AMD, management includes specific antioxidant vitamin supplementation (AREDS2 formula when indicated), stopping smoking, leafy green nutrition, and regular monitoring. For wet AMD, the standard of care is intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, which seal abnormal vessels, dry the macula, and preserve or improve vision.
This condition is part of the Retina & Intravitreal Injections specialty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does macular degeneration cause total blindness?
No. AMD affects central vision—used for reading, recognizing faces, and fine detail—while peripheral (side) vision usually remains preserved.
Can dry AMD turn into wet AMD?
Yes, in a percentage of patients. That is why regular monitoring with OCT and self-testing with an Amsler grid are essential to detect any change early.