Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Blurred or distorted central vision can make daily activities like reading and driving more difficult—and for adults over 50, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of this type of visual impairment.
This progressive retinal condition can develop without early symptoms, making regular eye exams essential for detection. At Focus Eye Care & Surgery, Dr. Neelofar Ghaznawi provides specialized AMD care for patients in Queens and Long Island, helping to preserve vision and maintain quality of life.
What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive
Trusted Source
What is Macular Degeneration?
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Go to Source
eye disease
that affects the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The retina, located at the back of the eye, converts light into signals that the brain interprets as images. When the macula deteriorates, central vision becomes blurry or distorted, making it difficult to recognize faces, read, or drive.
While AMD can significantly impact daily activities, it does not typically lead to complete blindness. Peripheral (side) vision usually remains unaffected, allowing individuals to maintain some level of independence even in advanced stages of the condition.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a
Trusted Source
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
National Eye Institute
Go to Source
leading cause
of vision loss in older adults, according to the National Eye Institute. One of the challenges with AMD is that it often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular eye exams essential for early detection.
At Focus Eye Care & Surgery, we provide comprehensive eye exams to identify AMD and other silent eye diseases before they progress. If AMD is detected, we work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your needs and lifestyle, helping you protect your vision for the future.
What is “Wet” Macular Degeneration?
Wet AMD arises when new, abnormal blood vessels leak blood and cause scarring of the macula. If caught early, wet AMD can be treated, but vision loss happens much faster than dry AMD.
What is “Dry” Macular Degeneration?
Dry AMD develops when the macula thins as it ages. Cellular debris made of lipid and proteins (called drusen) grow under the retina. Dry AMD progresses slowly but could lead to wet AMD.
Nine out of ten people who get AMD have the dry type, while the rest have the
Trusted Source
Macular Degeneration
Cleveland Clinic
Go to Source
wet type.
Dry AMD is not reversible at present.
Who Gets AMD?
AMD is not a normal part of the eye’s aging process, like presbyopia or cataracts. However, there are certain risk factors that make a person more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration. These include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- High fat diet
- Lack of exercise
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Prolonged sun exposure
- High blood pressure
- Certain medications
Treatment for Macular Degeneration
At Focus Eye Care & Surgery, we offer a full range of treatment options for macular degeneration. These include:
Injectable
To slow down leaking from blood vessels, an injectable anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is delivered to the eye via a slim needle. Anti-VEGF has also been shown to reduce the number of abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
Laser therapy
A high energy laser beam is focused onto the retina to seal the leaking blood vessels. Sealing also prevents new growth of abnormal blood vessels. Some blurring of the central vision may still be observed, depending on how close the leaking blood vessels are to the macula.
FAQs About Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
A quick, simple test could alert you to changes in your vision when you suspect you have AMD. The tool is called Amsler Grid, with a dot in the center. People with normal vision should be able to focus on the dot and see all the other small squares normally. People with AMD would see dark, wavy, or blurry lines in some areas of the grid.
Age-related macular degeneration progresses over a period of 10 years from an early to an advanced state. Macular degeneration cannot be cured completely, but early diagnosis is important to slow down or even stop the progression of macular degeneration.
No, age-related macular degeneration is not the same as presbyopia and does not affect everyone. But you are at increased risk of developing macular degeneration if you are a smoker, over the age of 65, and have a family history of macular degeneration. Studies report that there is an increasing prevalence of age-related macular degeneration over the past few years.
Yes, early treatment can slow or even stop macular degeneration from progressing to its advanced stages. Not all patients with macular degeneration progress to the advanced stages, and even those with advanced-stage macular degeneration do not suffer from complete blindness. Macular degeneration results in a loss of central vision, while the peripheral vision may be intact.
Age-related macular degeneration typically affects people in their 50s or 60s. But, it takes at least a decade for age-related macular degeneration to progress to advanced stages.
There are different stages through which macular degeneration progresses: early, intermediate, and late stages. Early Stage: In early-stage AMD, there are usually no symptoms and incidentally is only discovered upon routine eye examination. Only about 15% of early-stage AMD eventually progress to intermediate-stage AMD. Intermediate Stage: Symptoms such as subtle changes in vision may be noticed during intermediate-stage AMD; 6.3% cases of intermediate AMD can progress to late-stage AMD. Late Stage: In late-stage AMD, central vision loss can occur, and the patient may have significant issues with recognizing other people. Depending on whether the AMD is wet or dry type, the speed of progression to central vision loss can vary.
While diet alone cannot cure or treat macular degeneration, it can be a beneficial adjunct to improve overall eye health and slow macular degeneration from progressing further. Diets rich in vitamins C and E, such as yellow fruits or dark green leafy vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration to advanced stages.
No, macular degeneration cannot be reversed once it has occurred. But several treatment options are available that can slow or stop the progression of macular degeneration.
Multiple clinical studies have shown that antioxidants and minerals such as beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, zinc, and copper can be beneficial for slowing the progression of intermediate-stage AMD to late-stage AMD. Based on these study findings, an AREDS2 formula containing vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc, copper, lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, and zeaxanthin can be given as supplements to slow the progression of macular degeneration.
Contact Us
Protect your vision with expert care at Focus Eye Care & Surgery. Schedule a consultation in Queens or Long Island for a comprehensive eye exam with our experienced eye disease specialist. Early detection of macular degeneration can make all the difference—take the first step toward preserving your sight today.
The doctors at Focus Eye Care & Surgery have reviewed and approved this content.
Page Updated:
1 American Academy of Ophthalmology. What is Macular Degeneration? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/amd-macular-degeneration. Accessed February 10, 2025.
2 National Eye Institute. Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Available: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration. Accessed February 10, 2025.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Macular Degeneration. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15246-macular-degeneration. Accessed February 10, 2025.