![]() ![]() Visual acuity drastically decreasing (two levels or more), e.g.: 20/20 to 20/80.Slow recovery of visual function after exposure to bright light ( photostress test).There may also be central scotomas, shadows or missing areas of vision Distorted vision in the form of metamorphopsia, in which a grid of straight lines appears wavy and parts of the grid may appear blank: Patients often first notice this when looking at things like miniblinds in their home or telephone poles while driving.Other signs and symptoms of macular degeneration include: Other symptoms of AMD include distortion of vision and blind spots (especially in and around the central visual field). This may manifest initially as difficulty with reading or driving (especially in poorly lit areas). Įarly or intermediate AMD may be asymptomatic, or it may present with blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes. The same view with age-related macular degeneration. About 0.4% of people between 50 and 60 have the disease, while it occurs in 0.7% of people 60 to 70, 2.3% of those 70 to 80, and nearly 12% of people over 80 years old. It most commonly occurs in people over the age of fifty and in the United States is the most common cause of vision loss in this age group. ![]() In 2013, it was the fourth most common cause of blindness after cataracts, preterm birth, and glaucoma. ![]() It is equally seen in males and females and it is more common in those of European or North American ancestry. As of 2020, it affects more than 190 million people globally with the prevalence expected to increase to 288 million people by 2040 as the proportion of elderly persons in the population increases. Īge-related macular degeneration is a main cause of central blindness among the working-aged population worldwide. However, dietary supplements may slow the progression in those who already have the disease. Antioxidant vitamins and minerals do not appear to be useful for prevention. In the wet form, anti-VEGF medication injected into the eye or less commonly laser coagulation or photodynamic therapy may slow worsening. There is no cure or treatment that returns vision already lost. Preventive efforts include exercising, eating well, and not smoking. In wet form AMD, blood vessels grow under the macula, causing blood and fluid to leak into the retina. Those with dry form AMD have drusen, cellular debris in their macula that gradually damages light-sensitive cells and leads to vision loss. The difference between the two forms is the change of macula. The late type is additionally divided into "dry" and "wet" forms with the dry form making up 90% of cases. The severity is divided into early, intermediate, and late types. It is due to damage to the macula of the retina. Genetic factors and smoking also play a role. Macular degeneration typically occurs in older people. Visual hallucinations may also occur but these do not represent a mental illness. While it does not result in complete blindness, loss of central vision can make it hard to recognize faces, drive, read, or perform other activities of daily life. Over time, however, some people experience a gradual worsening of vision that may affect one or both eyes. Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration ( AMD or ARMD), is a medical condition which may result in blurred or no vision in the center of the visual field. Picture of the back of the eye showing intermediate age-related macular degenerationīlurred or no vision in the center of the visual field Īnti-VEGF medication injected into the eye, laser coagulation, photodynamic therapy ![]()
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