Age-Related Macular Degeneration

AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

WHAT IS MACULAR DEGENERATION?

§ A group of progressive eye conditions which involves deterioration of the macula.

§ Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the most common cause of vision loss in the elderly.

§ There are two general types of

ARMD

1. “Dry”, or non-neovascular

§ Early stage, less severe

§ 85%-95% of cases

2. “Wet”, or neovascular

§ More severe

§ Central vision blind spots

HOW IS ARMD DIAGNOSED?

§ If retinal damage is suspected, an eye doctor will perform a retinal exam.

§ Fluorescein angiography is used to examine the retinal blood vessels.

§ Amsler grid (a card with horizontal and vertical lines which look wavy or have missing sections if you have ARMD.)

§ In “Dry” yellowish spots or drusen form on the retina.

§ In “Wet” unwanted blood vessels leak blood and fluid beneath the retina.

WHAT IMPACT DOES ARMD HAVE ON YOUR VISION?

§ Loss of sharp, central vision (fuzzy or shadowy vision)

§ Distorted vision

§ Difficulty seeing fine detail

§ Difficulty seeing color

COMMON TREATMENTS

§ There is no cure for “Dry” or “Wet” ARMD at this point in time.

§ No FDA-approved treatments exist for “Dry” ARMD.

§ Studies indicate taking vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, lutein, antioxidants, & Omega-3 oils may help prevent or slow “Dry” Macular Degeneration.

§ Various FDA approved drugs are used to slow down the progression of “Wet” ARMD.

· Lucentis, Macugen

· Visudyne used with Photodynamic Therapy or PDT

HOW DO YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE ADAPT TO THIS CONDITION?

§ Low vision aids such as magnifiers

§ UV protected sunglasses

§ Proper lighting for near tasks

§ Regular visits to your ophthalmologist or optometrist

References

1. About AMD. Retrieved July 25, 2009, from http://www.eyeonamd.com/EyeOnAMD/about-amd.html

2. Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Retrieved July 25, 2009, from http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts.asp

3. American Macular Degeneration Foundation. Stargardt’s Disease. Retrieved on July 26, 2009, from http://www.macular.org/stargardts.html

4. Dictionary of Eye Terminology 5th Edition. Barbara Cassin and Melin L. Rubin, Editor. 2006. Gainesville, Fl, pg 167.

5. Ken Moses, Ph. D. The Impact of Childhood Disability: The Parent’s Struggle. Retrieved July 26, 2009, from http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=cache:FVUA1bWMnmAJ:www.dsact.com/images/docs/theimpact08.pdf+ken+moses+disabled&hl=en&gl=us

6. Liz Segre. Amsler Grid: Test for Macular Degeneration or Other Vision Problems. Retrieved July 25, 2009, from http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amsler-grid.htm

7. Marika Veisson. Depression Symptoms and Emotional States in Parents of Disabled and Non-Disabled Children. Retrieved July 26, 2009, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3852/is_199901/ai_n8851290/

8. Marilyn Maddrill. Macular Degeneration. Retrieved July 25, 2009, from http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amd.htm

9. Marilyn Maddrill. Stargardt's Disease (Fundus Flavimaculatus).
Retrieved July 26, 2009, from http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/stargardts.htm

10. Richard L. Windsor, O.D., F.A.A.O. and Laura K. Windsor, O.D., F.A.A.O. Understanding Stargardt’s Disease. Retrieved July 26, 2009, from http://www.lowvision.org/stargardts.htm