Age-related Macular Degeneration: What Every 60+ Should Know
Overview
AMD damages the macula — the central 5% of the retina responsible for reading, driving and recognising faces. It is dry (slow) or wet (leaky new vessels).
Symptoms
- ◆Straight lines appear wavy
- ◆Blurred central spot
- ◆Difficulty reading fine print
- ◆Fading of colours
Causes
- ◆Age-related retinal cell degeneration
- ◆Genetics
- ◆Smoking
Risk factors
- ◆Age > 60
- ◆Family history
- ◆Smoking
- ◆Fair skin
- ◆Poor cardiovascular health
Diagnosis
Dilated fundus exam, OCT and — for wet AMD — OCT-Angiography or FFA.
Treatment options
Dry: AREDS-2 supplements + monitoring. Wet: Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections.
When to see a doctor
Any distortion of straight lines or a new central blurred spot requires evaluation within 48 hours.
Prevention
Stop smoking, eat leafy greens and oily fish, wear UV-block sunglasses and check with an Amsler grid weekly at home.
Frequently Asked
References
- AREDS-2 Report – National Eye Institute, USA
Treatments Dr. Shantanu offers for this
This article is for patient education. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, examination or diagnosis. If you have symptoms discussed here, please book an in-person consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist.
Consultant Ophthalmologist at Shantanu Netralaya Eye Hospital, Varanasi. New Delhi (MAMC / Guru Nanak Eye Centre) trained cataract, cornea and medical retina specialist. FICO (Merit).
