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Eye & EarICD-10: H35.3About 11 million people in the US; leading cause of blindness in people over 50

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Also known as: AMD, ARMD, Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over 50 in developed countries. AMD comes in two forms: dry (atrophic), which progresses slowly, and wet (neovascular), which can cause rapid vision loss from abnormal blood vessel growth.

Symptoms

Blurred or fuzzy central vision
Difficulty recognizing faces
Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted (metamorphopsia)
Dark or empty area in the center of vision
Need for brighter light when reading
Difficulty adapting to low light levels
Decreased intensity or brightness of colors

Causes

  • Breakdown of the macula with age (dry AMD — drusen accumulation)
  • Abnormal growth of blood vessels under the retina (wet AMD — choroidal neovascularization)
  • Combination of genetic and environmental factors

Risk Factors

  • Age over 50 (risk increases significantly after 60)
  • Smoking (doubles the risk)
  • Family history of AMD
  • Caucasian race
  • Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
  • Obesity and high-fat diet

Diagnosis

  • Comprehensive dilated eye exam
  • Amsler grid test (detects visual distortion)
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) for retinal imaging
  • Fluorescein angiography to detect abnormal blood vessels (wet AMD)
  • OCT angiography (non-invasive vascular imaging)

Treatment

  • Dry AMD: AREDS2 supplements (vitamins C, E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin)
  • Wet AMD: anti-VEGF injections (ranibizumab, aflibercept, bevacizumab, faricimab)
  • Photodynamic therapy for select wet AMD cases
  • Low-vision rehabilitation and assistive devices
  • Emerging therapies: complement inhibitors for geographic atrophy (pegcetacoplan)

Prevention

  • Don't smoke or quit smoking
  • Eat a diet rich in leafy greens and fish (omega-3 fatty acids)
  • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
  • Protect eyes from UV light with sunglasses
  • Get regular comprehensive eye exams after age 50

When to See a Doctor

  • Blurring or distortion of central vision
  • Straight lines appearing wavy
  • Sudden decrease in vision, especially in one eye
  • A new dark spot in your central field of vision

Frequently Asked Questions

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

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