Download Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Fact Sheet

Age-Related Macular
Degeneration (AMD)
Web: cnib.ca
Email: [email protected]/ontario
CNIB Contact Centre:
1-800-563-2642
What is it?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes damage to the macula, the central
part of the retina responsible for seeing fine details. Vision loss due to AMD is usually
permanent and can range from mild to severe. People who have AMD typically have
some peripheral vision and rarely lose all vision completely. AMD is the leading cause
of vision loss in Canadians, and usually affects people 50 and older
Types of AMD
AMD starts out as the dry form of the disease and may progress to the wet form over
time.
Dry AMD accounts for 90 per cent of all AMD cases:
 Occurs when the layer of cells beneath the retina begins to age and thin.
 Vision loss occurs slowly, usually over a number of years, and may cause few or
no symptoms until it’s more advanced.
 Early signs include the presence of small yellow-white deposits called drusen,
which accumulate under the retina.
Wet AMD accounts for most of the severe vision loss caused by AMD:
 Involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels below the retina, which break
into the macula, leaking blood and fluid.
 Photoreceptors in the macula become damaged, resulting in central blind spots
and blurred vision.
 Vision loss occurs rapidly, sometimes within months or weeks.
 Once detected in one eye, the chance of developing wet AMD in the other eye
increases.
 With early treatment, further vision loss may be prevented.
Risk factors





Age: The older you are, the greater your chances of developing AMD.
Family history: Your risk increases significantly if your parents, grandparents
or siblings have AMD.
Ethnicity: If you are Caucasian, you are more likely to develop AMD.
Smoking: Primary and second-hand cigarette smoke is a major risk factor for
developing AMD.
Poor diet: A diet high in fats and low in nutrients may increase the risk, while a
healthy diet of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, fresh fruit, and dark green,
seeing beyond vision loss

leafy vegetables may reduce the risk.
Excessive sun exposure: Wear sunglasses that block 99 per cent of both UVA
and UVB rays. Wear a hat with a brim when outside.
Diagnosis
Tests your eye doctor may use to diagnose AMD:
 Visual acuity test: The standard measurement of a person’s ability to see,
using an eye chart.
 Dilated eye examination: Drops are placed into the eye to widen (dilate) the
pupils to allow a direct view of the retina. A special magnifying lens is used to
examine the retina and the optic nerve.
 Fluorescein angiogram: A dye is injected into a vein and circulates within the
eye. Photographs of the retina are taken to find any abnormal blood vessels.
 Optical coherence tomography (OCT): A diagnostic imaging device used to
detect retinal disease.
 Amsler grid: Contact your local CNIB office or visitcnib.ca to obtain a copy of
this simple test, which can be done at home.
Treatment
There is currently no treatment for dry AMD. A special formulation of ocular vitamins
for intermediate dry AMD can lower the risk of developing an advanced condition.
Treatments for wet AMD include:
 Laser photocoagulation therapy: A thermal laser used in specific areas of
the retina to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels. This treatment is not
often used, as it can damage retinal tissue, leaving permanent blind spots in
vision.
 Photodynamic therapy: A light-activated drug injected intravenously into the
arm. A non-thermal laser is used inside the eye to activate the drug, sealing
leaking blood vessels without damage to the retina.
 Intraocular (anti-VEGF) injections: Stops the growth of abnormal blood
vessels. Many of these drugs may even improve vision.