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Lakewood, NJ --- As we age, most of us experience some measure of vision loss. By and large, a stronger pair of prescription eyeglasses is all that most people need to compensate for their aging eyesight. But when eye problems make everyday tasks difficult or even impossible – and glasses or contacts no longer help – chances are it could be more than the effects of normal aging.
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration or AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss in people 65 years or older in the United States. It affects more than 10 million Americans according to the National Eye Institute.
“Macular degeneration refers to the deterioration of the macula, a small but very important area located on the retina in the back of the eye,” explains Daniel Roth, MD, an ophthalmologist on staff at Kimball Medical Center.
The macula, according to Dr. Roth, provides the sharp, central vision we need for reading, driving and seeing fine detail. “Macular degeneration can cause sudden, severe loss of vision in the middle of your visual field,” he explains. It usually does not affect the peripheral vision.
According to Dr. Roth, there are two kinds of macular degeneration that can cause this type of vision loss.
“The majority of people affected by this disease have ‘dry’ macular degeneration,” explains Dr. Roth. The most common symptom of dry AMD is blurred vision, which can affect one or both eyes simultaneously. “You may have difficulty recognizing faces, find it difficult to see at night, or find you need more light for reading, and other tasks,” he says.
Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula break down, gradually blurring the central field of vision in the affected eye. “As the condition gets worse, you may see a blurred spot in the center of your vision. Over time, as more of the macula loses function, central vision is gradually lost in the affected eye or eyes,” he explains.
Dry AMD can also progress into “wet” AMD, the second form of this disease. Wet AMD leads to more significant vision loss over a shorter period of time.
“Wet AMD involves the development of choroidal neovascular membrane, tiny abnormal blood vessels that grow beneath the retina. The blood vessels often break and leak blood and fluid into the macula, causing tissue damage and the formation of scar tissue, that in turn distorts the vision,” explains Dr. Roth. The most recognizable symptom of wet AMD is straight lines that appear wavy or crooked. Dark, blurry areas or a blind spot that appears in the center of your vision may also occur. “This can all occur in a very short period of time, causing more rapid vision loss over a period of days or weeks, that continues to progress over time,” he adds.
Age is the most important risk factor for both forms of AMD. According to the National Eye Institute, while Americans in their 50s have only a two percent chance of developing macular degeneration, in patients over age 75, that risk increases to 30 percent. “AMD also may be slightly more common in women and in those with a family history of the disease. Caucasians may be at greater risk of developing the wet form. Cigarette smoking and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high levels of blood cholesterol and obesity, may also increase your risk for AMD,” adds Dr. Roth.
Changes in our vision that occur gradually can be difficult to detect, which is why regular eye exams are so important, particularly as we age. The earlier AMD is detected, the better your chance for preventing or delaying further vision loss.
According to Dr. Roth, treatment for AMD varies depending on the type and stage of the disease at diagnosis. “Studies have shown a daily regimen of antioxidant vitamins and minerals can help delay the progression of AMD – and resulting vision loss – by as much as 25 percent,” he says. According to the doctor surgical options and new medications can also slow the progression of this disease.
“Laser surgery and photodynamic therapy have been used to treat the wet form of macular degeneration,” he explains. “Both effectively destroy the new blood vessels and while they can’t cure macular degeneration or restore vision already damaged by this disease, they can help slow the rate of vision decline,” he says.
According to Dr. Roth, a newer treatment option is available involving intravitreal injections of medications that target the underlying cause of CNVM in the wet form of macular degeneration. “These promising new medications can slow or inhibit the growth of the abnormal blood vessels and cause regression of the choriodal neovascular membrane, leading to improved vision in many cases,” he says. The results of this advanced treatment option have been encouraging. “Early detection, however, is still critical to help preserve as much of your vision as possible,” said Dr. Roth.
If you’re experiencing vision problems or any of the symptoms of age-related macular degeneration, make an appointment to see your eye doctor as soon as possible. To contact or schedule an appointment with Dr. Daniel Roth, or another ophthalmologist on staff at Kimball Medical Center, please call 1-888-SBHS-123 (888-724-7123).
Date: November 17, 2008
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
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