What is AMD?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that involves the breakdown of the macula, which is part of the retina and allows for the processing of central vision. As the macula deteriorates, central vision gradually decreases. Most people do not become completely blind. However, it is difficult to perform everyday activities, such as reading and driving, without central vision.
Recognizing signs and symptoms may lead to an early diagnosis, which is vital to possibly slowing down the progression of the disease. The article below covers early signs and symptoms of age-related macular degeneration, including wet and dry AMD.
Early Signs of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Visual Distortions
As macular degeneration progresses, an individual may see straight lines as wavy or bent. Objects may also appear to change color, size or shape. An individual may also see an object's color or size differently with one eye than the other.
Blurred Vision
In some cases, blurry vision starts, but it's typically mild and may come and go in the early stages. Reading may start to become difficult due to the increased blurriness of words.
Trouble Seeing in Dim Light
Trouble seeing in low light may also occur. This may start as problems reading in dim light and gradually progress. It may not be easy to see fine details without a bright light. Some people may also develop light sensitivity. For example, it may take longer for your eyes to adapt to dimly lit environments such as a movie theater.
Mild Colored Vision Changes
In the early stages of age-related macular degeneration, an individual may experience mild color changes, such as colors appearing less bright or faded.
Eye Floaters
Eye floaters may also appear. For instance, floaters may appear in different forms, such as small strands, specs or clouds that move across your field of vision. Some people also develop dark spots in their field of vision. This is especially common first thing in the morning when waking up.
Reduced Central Vision
Reduced central vision usually does not occur in the early stages of the disease. However, there are exceptions, and mild reduced central vision can develop early on. As age-related macular degeneration becomes worse, central vision loss is more prominent and may start to interfere with everyday activities. For instance, without adequate central vision, an individual with AMD may have trouble recognizing faces or reading.
Types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
There are two types of age-related macular degeneration including:
Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
According to the National Eye Institute, most cases of macular degeneration involve dry AMD. This form of the disease causes yellow deposits of protein called drusen to develop on the macula.
These deposits may not cause any symptoms in their earliest stage. However, over time, they lead to drying out and thinning of the macula, which impedes proper function and leads to central vision deterioration.
Wet Macular Degeneration
This form of AMD is much less common than dry age-related macular degeneration. According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, about 10% to 15% of cases of macular degeneration are the wet form. Individuals with wet macular degeneration have an abnormal growth of blood vessels under the macula. The vessels may rupture, leak fluid or bleed, causing the macula to lift from its normal position and distorting central vision.
Both forms of age-related macular degeneration may cause similar symptoms. However, there differences.
For example, according to the American Society of Retina Specialists, an individual with dry AMD may not have any symptoms in the early stages. If symptoms are present, they tend to be subtle. As the condition progresses, symptoms usually develop gradually. By the intermediate stage of the disease, symptoms may start.
Individuals with wet AMD may have similar symptoms to dry AMD. However, symptoms typically progress faster, and they may become more severe.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Anyone who develops early signs of AMD should see an eye specialist as soon as possible. Receiving a diagnosis early allows treatment to start, which may slow the progression of the disease and reduce vision loss. Treatment is available, including nutritional supplements and medications that may help.
In addition, regular eye exams are important since many symptoms of macular degeneration are not present in the early stages.
Want to learn more about eye health? Check out our article on geographic atrophy.