What Patients Should Know About Age-Related Macular Degenerationin Boston, MA

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss among people over the age of 50. Therefore, it is important to understand who is at risk and how you can protect your vision. This is everything you should know about this common eye disease.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that affects the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for central vision. As AMD progresses, it can lead to blurry or loss of vision in the center of your field of view. The early stage is known as dry AMD, where deposits called drusen form under the retina, causing it to thin over time. About 10-15% of people with dry AMD develop the more advanced wet AMD, which is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina. These vessels can leak fluid and blood, damaging retinal cells.

Who Is at Risk?

While the exact causes are unknown, certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing AMD. AMD typically occurs in those over 50 years old and is more common about women. People with lighter-colored eyes (blue or green) are also at a slightly higher risk because UV rays can more easily penetrate through the outer corneal layers. Those who have a close relative with AMD, a history of cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or those who are current or former smokers are also at a higher risk.

Prevention and Treatment

While AMD has no outright cure, several preventative measures and treatment options exist that can slow the progression of the disease. To help prevent vision loss from AMD:
• Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year if you are over 50 years old. Early detection gives more treatment options.
• Take vitamin supplements if recommended by your ophthalmologist. Common supplements include vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper. These support eye health.
• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts. Green, leafy vegetables contain antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that protect the macula. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts also promote eye health.
• Wear 100% UV-blocking sunglasses when outdoors, even when cloudy. Limit UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds which can damage the retina over time.
• Quit smoking or avoid secondhand smoke exposure. Smoking significantly increases the risks of developing wet AMD.
• Manage other medical conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity that impact circulation and the eyes. Keeping these under control supports better retinal health.
• Quit smoking or avoid secondhand smoke exposure. Smoking significantly increases the risks of developing wet AMD.
Living with AMD
Adaptations that make the most of remaining vision can help you stay independent with AMD. We recommend increasing light within your home and using magnification or adaptive devices when reading and watching television. Our team can also recommend vision rehabilitation services like photodynamic therapy to improve symptoms and help prevent them from worsening.

Schedule an Appointment

With a proactive approach and support, you can find ways to thrive with AMD. At Nielsen Eye Center, we offer advanced eye treatments for AMD and other eye disorders. With locations in Quincy, MA, Norwell, MA, Weymouth, MA, and Norwood, MA, we are easily accessible to patients in the Boston area. Schedule an appointment today by calling one of our offices or filling out an online contact form.