Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected. You may need more light for reading and other tasks. You may have difficulty recognizing faces. The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. Over time, as less of the macula functions, central vision is gradually lost in the affected eye. As dry AMD gets worse, you may see a blurred spot in the center of your vision. What is dry AMD?ĭry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. You need a comprehensive dilated eye exam. If you notice this condition or other changes to your vision, contact your eye care professional at once. It does not have stages like dry AMD.Īn early symptom of wet AMD is that straight lines appear wavy. With wet AMD, loss of central vision can occur quickly. The blood and fluid raise the macula from its normal place at the back of the eye. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. The retina then sends these impulses, or nerve signals, to the brain. The retina instantly converts light, or an image, into electrical impulses. The macula is located in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older.ĪMD occurs in two forms: wet and dry. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving.ĪMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. What is age-related macular degeneration?Īge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Wet maculardegeneration is more common in whites, but occurs in all races. The average age of patients with the wet form of macular degeneration is the mid-70s. There are approximately 200,000 new cases of wet macular degeneration in the United States each year. The neovascular “wet” form of the disease is responsible for most (90%) of the severe loss of vision. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the United States and many European countries.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |