age related macular degeneration 12

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A Leading Cause of Vision Loss

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 and older [6]. It is a disease that affects a person's central vision, causing severe loss of central vision if left untreated [1].

Types of AMD

There are two types of macular degeneration: wet and dry. Dry AMD is a gradual deterioration of the macula as the retinal cells die off and are not renewed [8]. Wet AMD, on the other hand, is an acquired degeneration of the retina that causes significant central visual impairment through a combination of vascular and cellular changes [7].

Symptoms of AMD

The most common symptom of dry AMD is blurred vision. Objects in the center part of your vision often look distorted and dim, and colors may appear faded [4]. You may also experience difficulty reading or performing other daily activities that require central vision.

Age-related Macular Degeneration Statistics

AMD affects millions of people worldwide, with the majority being over 50 years old [5]. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, emphasizing the need for early detection and treatment to prevent severe visual impairment.

References: [1] Context result 1 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Signs and Symptoms

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. The symptoms of AMD can vary from person to person, but here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Visual Distortions: Straight lines may appear bent or wavy [3].
• Reduced Central Vision: You may experience a loss of central vision in one or both eyes, making it difficult to see details straight ahead [2].
• Blurred or Distorted Area: The first symptom is often a blurred or distorted area in your vision, which can progress to affect the entire central part of your vision [4].
• Loss of Central Vision: Some early signs can be loss of central vision, making it difficult to read, watch TV, or perform other daily activities that require clear central vision [5].
• Gaps or Dark Spots: Gaps or dark spots (like a smudge on glasses) may appear in your vision, especially first thing in the morning [6].
• Colors Can Fade: Colors can fade, making it difficult to distinguish between different hues [6].
• Dark, Blurry Areas: Dark, blurry areas in the center of your vision are another common symptom of AMD [7].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those experienced by people with other eye conditions. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult an eye care professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

References: [1] Not provided (since the query is "12" which doesn't make sense) [2] 2. Jun 22, 2021 — At a glance: AMD ; Early Symptoms: None ; Later Symptoms: Loss of the central vision you need to see details straight ahead, blurry or wavy areas ... [3] 3. Nov 23, 2022 — Symptoms · Visual distortions, such as straight lines seeming bent. · Reduced central vision in one or both eyes. · The need for brighter light ... [4] 4. The first symptom is often a blurred or distorted area in your vision. ... If it gets worse, you might struggle to see anything in the middle of your vision. [5] 5. Jun 7, 2024 — What are the symptoms of macular degeneration? ... Some early signs can be loss of central vision. A person may notice that when they're reading, ... [6] 6. What are the symptoms? · Gaps or dark spots (like a smudge on glasses) may appear in your vision, especially first thing in the morning. · Colours can fade. · You ... [7] 7. Sep 11, 2024 — Dark, blurry areas in the center of your vision; Straight lines look wavy. Worse or different color perception; Trouble seeing in low light ...

Diagnostic Tests for Age-related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be diagnosed through various tests, including:

• Visual Acuity Testing: This test measures the sharpness of your vision and can help detect changes in your central vision.
• Amsler Grid Test: This test involves looking at an Amsler grid with a dot in the center. If you see wavy lines or missing areas around the dot, it may indicate AMD.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Scan: An OCT scan is a non-invasive imaging test that takes pictures of the retina and can help detect early signs of AMD.
• Dilated Eye Exam: A dilated eye exam involves using eye drops to widen your pupils, allowing your doctor to see the back of your eyes more clearly. This test can show signs of AMD, including drusen and dry age-related macular degeneration.

These tests are typically performed by an eye doctor during a routine eye exam. Early detection and diagnosis of AMD can help slow down vision loss and improve treatment outcomes.

References:

• [12] People with macular degeneration often have many drusen. A test for changes in the center of your vision.
• [5] A dilated eye exam, with eye drops to dilate the pupils, can show signs of macular degeneration, including drusen and dry age-related macular degeneration.
• [8] Optometrists use imaging tests like OCT scans to detect early signs of macular degeneration.

Treatment Options for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. While there's no cure for AMD, various treatment options are available to slow down or improve vision.

Medications

Several medications have been approved to treat wet AMD, which is characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina:

• Anti-VEGF agents: These injections block the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes blood vessel growth. Examples include:
  • Aflibercept (Eylea)
  • Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
  • Bevacizumab (Avastin)
  • Brolucizumab (Beovu)
  • Faricimab-svoa (Vabysmo) [5]
• Other medications: Other treatments include photodynamic therapy (PDT), laser surgery, and brolucizumab-dbll (Beovu).

Treatment Goals

The primary goal of treatment is to stabilize or improve vision. While these medications can't cure AMD, they can help slow down disease progression.

References:

• [1] May 23, 2024 — These drugs — including aflibercept (Eylea), ranibizumab (Lucentis), faricimab (Vabysmo) and bevacizumab (Avastin) — stabilize or improve vision ...
• [3] Feb 20, 2024 — Treatment options for Wet AMD include brolucizumab-dbll (Beovu), aflibercept (Eylea and Eylea HD), ranibizumab (Lucentis), faricimab-svoa (...
• [4] Feb 21, 2023 — Medications · Bevacizumab (Avastin). · Ranibizumab (Lucentis). · Aflibercept (Eylea). · Brolucizumab (Beovu). · Faricimab-svoa (Vabysmo).
• [5] Vabysmo (Faricimab) is the most recently approved medication for treatment of wet AMD. It is the first dual action drug and tackles two biological pathways ...
• [7] The main treatment for wet AMD is the injection of medications called anti-VEGF agents. VEGF stands for vascular endothelial growth factor. A high level of VEGF ...

Differential Diagnoses for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex condition that can be challenging to diagnose, especially in its early stages. Here are some differential diagnoses that should be considered:

• Other genetic macular diseases: Stargardt disease, Best disease, and pattern dystrophy are all conditions that affect the macula and can present similarly to AMD [1].
• Angioid streaks: These are breaks in Bruch's membrane that can cause vision loss and may be mistaken for AMD [2].
• Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR): This condition is characterized by fluid accumulation under the retina, which can cause visual disturbances similar to those seen in AMD [2].
• Choroidal Melanoma: A type of eye cancer that can affect the macula and may be mistaken for AMD [3].
• Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV): This is a condition where new blood vessels grow under the retina, which can cause vision loss similar to AMD [2].

It's essential to consider these differential diagnoses when evaluating patients with suspected AMD. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of AMD.

References:

[1] Context result 1: "Other genetic macular disease: Stargardt disease, Best disease, pattern..."

[2] Context results 2 & 8: "Central Serous Chorioretinopathy", "Angioid streaks", and "Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV)"

[3] Context result 3: "When it occurs, the differential diagnosis between the macular lesion and wet AMD may be challenging..."