Macular degeneration

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Macular degeneration
Intermediate age related macular degeneration.jpg
Synonyms Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Blurred vision, central vision loss
Complications Blindness
Onset Typically after age 50
Duration Long-term
Types Dry macular degeneration, Wet macular degeneration
Causes Genetics, smoking, diet, high blood pressure
Risks Age, family history, smoking, obesity
Diagnosis Eye examination, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography
Differential diagnosis Diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, glaucoma
Prevention Healthy diet, smoking cessation, regular exercise
Treatment Anti-VEGF therapy, laser coagulation, vitamin supplements
Medication Ranibizumab, Aflibercept, Bevacizumab
Prognosis Variable, can lead to vision loss
Frequency Affects millions worldwide, more common in Caucasians
Deaths Rarely directly causes death


Normal vision simulation
Age-related macular degeneration simulation
AMD by race and age from National Eye Institute data
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Human eye cross-sectional view
Ophthalmology AMD Super Resolution

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a medical condition that leads to blurred or loss of vision in the center field of view. This condition usually affects older adults and results from damage to the macula, a small area near the center of the retina.

Classification[edit | edit source]

AMD is typically classified into two types: dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular or exudative). The dry form is more common and is characterized by small yellow deposits, known as drusen, in the macula. Wet AMD, on the other hand, is less common but more serious, and it is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina, which leak fluid and blood.

Dry AMD[edit | edit source]

Dry AMD is the initial phase and affects 85-90% of individuals with AMD. Its cause is due to aging and thinning of macular tissues, depositing of pigment in the macula or a combination of the two.

Wet AMD[edit | edit source]

Wet AMD is more severe and affects 10-15% of individuals with AMD. Despite its rarity, it accounts for a significant proportion of all cases of severe vision loss in AMD.

Signs and Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of AMD include difficulty recognizing faces, distortion of straight lines, and a dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision.

Risk Factors[edit | edit source]

Several factors may increase the risk of developing AMD, including age, genetics, race, smoking, and diet.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

AMD is believed to be a complex disorder that is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The condition is characterized by the presence of drusen and changes in the pigment of the retina.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of AMD can often be made based on the patient's symptoms and findings during an eye examination. Other tests, such as fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography, can also be useful in confirming the diagnosis and determining the severity of the disease.

Management[edit | edit source]

While there is currently no cure for AMD, treatments can help slow its progression and improve quality of life. These treatments may include anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs, laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy. For those with advanced disease, low-vision aids, such as special eyeglasses or electronic systems, can help to improve vision.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for individuals with AMD varies widely. Some people may retain good vision for a long time, while others may experience a rapid decline in vision.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

While AMD cannot be completely prevented, certain lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and avoiding smoking, can reduce the risk.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly, affecting an estimated 8.7% of the worldwide population.

Images[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD