Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Special Services Screening for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects many individuals as they age, leading to a gradual loss of central vision.
Though painless, the degeneration causes blurriness when focusing straight ahead, making tasks such as reading, distinguishing colors and recognizing faces increasingly challenging.
While the condition can sometimes progress quickly, it typically develops slowly and does not affect peripheral vision, meaning it does not result in complete blindness. This characteristic also means it may go unnoticed.
There are two main types of age-related macular degeneration:
Dry AMD
This type occurs when deposits accumulate and damage the macula’s cells, causing slow vision loss over several years. Dry AMD is the most common form, accounting for about 90% of cases, and is generally less severe. However, 1 in 10 individuals with dry AMD will eventually develop wet AMD.
Wet AMD
Also known as neovascular AMD, this form develops when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula and damage its cells. Wet AMD is more serious than dry AMD and if left untreated, vision can deteriorate rapidly within days.
Detecting Early Signs of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Around 1 in 10 people aged 65 and older experience some level of AMD, and there is currently no cure for either type.
Despite this, we are dedicated to helping you preserve and enhance your remaining vision. At Adams Eyecare our experienced optometrists are ready to conduct thorough tests and provide you with specialized magnifying aids tailored to your needs to maximize your vision.