For age-related macular degeneration, it's essential to consult with an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye care and surgery).
In general, individuals aged 45 and older should undergo a comprehensive eye examination and follow-up examinations every two to four years.
People with age-related macular degeneration should monitor their vision daily and promptly inform their ophthalmologist of any changes in their vision.
Hospital visits for macular degeneration problems should be quite rare. Due to the specialized equipment required for eye examinations, it's usually best to seek care at the ophthalmologist's office.
If you notice a sudden decrease in vision in one or both of your eyes and cannot reach your ophthalmologist, head to the hospital's emergency department. Timely treatment of early wet age-related macular degeneration can prevent further visual loss.
Visual symptoms and/or eye pain may not necessarily indicate age-related macular degeneration. It's possible that you require prompt diagnosis and treatment of a different eye condition.
In a study on age-related eye disease, individuals with moderate and advanced age-related macular degeneration benefited significantly from dietary supplements containing high-dose antioxidants and zinc.
Quitting smoking is advised for everyone to prevent or slow down the progression of retinal disease.
People with advanced age-related macular degeneration may find low-vision aids helpful, such as:
Individuals should be encouraged to make the most of their remaining peripheral vision unaffected by macular degeneration.
The Amsler grid is a valuable test that can indicate macular problems or worsening age-related macular degeneration. It consists of a square grid with a dark dot in the center. Any broken or distorted lines, blurred areas, or missing vision may be early signs of age-related macular degeneration. It can also help monitor vision changes once detected. The Macular Degeneration Partnership offers an online self-test with the Amsler grid.
As some individuals with the dry form of macular degeneration may progress to the wet form, those with the dry form should monitor their vision daily and inform their ophthalmologist of any changes.
If you have the wet form of the disease and have undergone laser treatment, it's important to test your vision to check for any enlargement of blind spots or new ones. New blood vessels can emerge months or even years after successful laser treatment.
If only one eye is affected, your ophthalmologist will conduct regular eye examinations on your other eye to detect any signs of new issues.
There are no proven preventive medications for age-related macular degeneration. The best way to prevent vision loss is through prompt examination and diagnosis by your ophthalmologist. Early treatment offers the best chance of success.
Not everyone with age-related macular degeneration experiences significant vision loss in both eyes. Only 59% of those who lose vision in one eye also lose vision in the other.
Complete vision loss from macular degeneration is rare. Individuals may have reduced central vision but can still perform many daily activities.
The wet form of age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of irreversible legal blindness. When both eyes are affected, it significantly impacts quality of life.
The dry form of age-related macular degeneration is more common and tends to progress more slowly, allowing individuals to retain most of their vision.