This disease occurs when the macula, a small portion of the retina, wears down. The retina is the nerve tissue at the back of your eye that senses light. When the macula is damaged, it makes it difficult to see fine details.
People with AMD in its advanced stages lose their ability to recognize faces, drive, or even read small prints. On the contrary, those with AMD in its early stages might not experience any signs or symptoms.
Types of AMD
There are two main forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including:
Dry Form
This is the most common type of AMD. The exact cause of this type is still unknown. However, environmental and genetic factors play a role. The disease occurs when the macula part of the eye gradually degenerates.
Wet Form
Wet AMD is less common, but it usually leads to serious visual impairment compared to dry AMD. This type occurs when abnormal blood vessels sprout beneath the retina. Just as the name suggests, the blood vessels leak blood and fluid, hence the name ‘wet’ AMD.
At Kirk Eye Center, we normally advise our patients with macular degeneration to monitor their eyesight carefully. Regular visits are highly recommended to ensure that any severe complications can be noticed early and corrected accordingly.
Are You At Risk of AMD?
Generally, your risk for AMD increases with age. Once you clock 55 years and above, you are at a high risk of developing the disease.
Other risk factors include:
- Eating foods high in saturated fat
- High blood pressure or hypertension
- A family history of AMD
- Smoking
If you are at risk of developing AMD, this should not scare you because you can always reach our team of experienced doctors at Kirk Eye Center. We take pride in making sure you receive the eye care services you deserve. Talk to us today and free yourself from any worries about losing your eyesight.
