Why AMD Is More Common Than You Think—and How to Address It
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over 55. It’s a condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Despite its prevalence, AMD is often misunderstood or overlooked until it starts to impact your daily life. Let’s explore what AMD is, its symptoms, and how your optometrist plays a crucial role in early detection and management.
What Is AMD?
AMD occurs when the macula deteriorates over time. This can lead to difficulty seeing fine details, whether you’re reading a book, recognizing faces, or watching TV. There are two main types of AMD:
Dry AMD: Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the more common form of AMD, characterized by the gradual thinning of the macula and the accumulation of drusen, which are tiny yellow deposits under the retina. This slow progression can lead to blurred or reduced central vision, making tasks like reading and recognizing faces increasingly difficult over time.
Wet AMD: Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a less common but more severe form of AMD caused by abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina and leaking fluid or blood. This can lead to rapid and significant loss of central vision, often resulting in dark spots or distortions in the affected area
Both forms can impact central vision while leaving peripheral vision intact, which means total blindness is rare but the condition significantly affects quality of life.
Genetics Behind AMD
Family history plays a significant role in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), highlighting the genetic component of this eye condition. If a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has been diagnosed with AMD, your risk of developing it increases significantly.
Research has identified specific genetic variants, such as those in the CFH and ARMS2 genes, associated with a higher likelihood of developing AMD. While you can’t change your genetics, being aware of your family history allows you to take proactive steps, such as scheduling regular eye exams, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and monitoring for early signs of the condition.
Symptoms of AMD
In the early stages, AMD may not cause noticeable symptoms, making regular eye exams essential. As it progresses, you might experience:
Blurred or distorted central vision.
A dark or empty spot in the center of your vision.
Difficulty recognizing faces or reading small print.
Reduced intensity or brightness of colours.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to schedule an eye exam immediately.
How Common Is AMD in Canada?
AMD affects approximately 2.5 million Canadians, making it a significant public health concern.
According to Fighting Blindness Canada, the risk increases with age, with nearly one in three individuals over 75 showing signs of AMD.
Other risk factors include smoking, family history, and prolonged UV exposure.
Smoking Increases Your Risk of AMD
Smoking is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), increasing your risk of developing the condition by up to four times compared to non-smokers. Smokers are also more likely to develop AMD up to 10 years earlier than those who have never smoked.
Smoking contributes to oxidative stress and reduces blood flow to the retina, accelerating damage to the macula and the progression of AMD. It also decreases the levels of protective antioxidants in the body, leaving the eyes more vulnerable to harmful effects. The good news is that quitting smoking not only reduces your overall health risks but also significantly lowers your likelihood of developing or worsening AMD. Taking this step is one of the most impactful actions you can take to protect your vision and overall eye health.
How Your Optometrist Detects AMD
Regular comprehensive eye exams are the best defence against AMD. At Helio Optometry, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect AMD in its earliest stages:
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This imaging technology provides cross-sectional views of the retina, allowing us to detect subtle changes in macular thickness or structure.
Retinal Imaging: Tools like Optomap Ultra-Widefield imaging help us examine the macula for drusen or pigmentary changes.
Amsler Grid Testing: This test evaluates central vision for distortions or blind spots, helping to identify potential AMD symptoms.
How Can I Prevent or Reduce my Risk of AMD?
Many people wonder what they can do to prevent or at least lower their risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While some risk factors, like age and genetics, are beyond your control, there are several proactive steps you can take to protect your vision and reduce your chances of developing this eye condition.
Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for AMD. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk and slow the progression of the disease if already present.
Adopt a Healthy Diet: Eat a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, colorful fruits, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. Nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3s support macular health and may help reduce AMD risk.
Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet light, which can contribute to retinal damage.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and control chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, as these can impact the health of your eyes and retina.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Early detection is key to managing AMD. Comprehensive eye exams with advanced imaging tools, such as OCT scans and retinal photography, can help detect early signs of AMD before symptoms develop.
How to Address AMD
If you’ve been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), you might be wondering what you can do to manage the condition and protect your vision. While there is no cure for AMD, early detection and proactive management can significantly slow its progression and help preserve your quality of life.
Treatment options include:
Lifestyle Adjustments: Eating a diet rich in leafy greens, stopping smoking, and protecting your eyes from UV rays can reduce your risk.
Nutritional Supplements: In cases of intermediate or advanced dry AMD, specific vitamins and minerals (as part of the AREDS formula) may help slow progression.
Medications or Injections: For wet AMD, anti-VEGF injections can reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and preserve vision.
New Options: New treatments continue to hit the market, including the first Health Canada-approved treatment for dry AMD by a local Canadian company called MacuMira, which can help slow progression and preserve or improve vision.
Take Action Today Against AMD
AMD is more common than you might think, but it doesn’t have to mean losing your independence or quality of life. Regular eye exams are the key to early detection and effective management. If you’re over 55 or have risk factors for AMD, book an appointment with Helio Optometry today. Let us help you protect your vision and enjoy the clarity you deserve. Book your eye exam online, or contact us directly.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Helio Optometry eye care clinic in West Edmonton is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment or guarantee and outcome. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Helio Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.
