What is age related macular degeneration (AMD)?
One of the leading causes of vision loss in people who are age 50 or older is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This common eye condition leads to damage of a small spot near the center of the retina called the macula. The macula provides us with the ability to clearly see objects that are straight ahead.
AMD may progress very slowly, with vision loss taking a long time to occur. In some people, though, the disease may advance more quickly. It can affect one or both eyes.
Symptoms of AMD
One of the first symptoms of AMD is a blurry area in the center of your field of vision. Over time, this blurred region may increase in size. You may also develop blank spots near the center of your vision. In addition, objects may not be as bright as they once were.
AMD does not lead to complete loss of vision. However, the central vision that is affected by AMD is needed for many everyday activities, such as being able to read, write, recognize faces of other people, drive a car, cook or fix things around the house.
AMD Treatment Options
At Puente Hills Eye Care Center, we offer all the latest diagnostic imaging and treatment options for age related macular degeneration. For intermediate AMD, we may recommend a special combination of vitamins which have been shown to decrease the rate of progression of the disease. In more severe cases, we may recommend intravitreal injections of medication.