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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects approximately 12 million Americans. By age 75, an estimated 30 percent of Americans have some form of macular degeneration. Because of this, UT Southwestern Medical Center specialists recommend that everyone 55 years of age or older should be examined by an ophthalmologist; those with a family history of AMD should have a dilated eye exam by age 50.
Macular vision (the macula is located in the retina) is required for tasks where people look straight ahead, such as driving or detail work. In advanced stage, called wet type macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, causing leaking and bleeding. Retinal tissues begin to break down and scar.
Symptoms of AMD include fuzzy or blurry vision, distortion of straight lines and a dark or an empty area in the center of vision. Its early stage is called dry AMD, which may advance to wet AMD. Wet AMD is associated with up to 90 percent of the severe vision loss caused by this condition. Ophthalmologists at UT Southwestern use hot and cold laser treatments and medication to treat wet AMD, as well as surgery when necessary.
Please visit the Health Library to learn more about macular degeneration.
