AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

What is Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

AMD is a gradual loss of vision in the central portion of the retina, called the macula, that occurs in older age. It usually affects people over 60¹, which is why it’s referred to as ‘age-related’. This condition impacts your vision from the centre of your eyes, and although it doesn’t usually cause total blindness, it can make everyday activities such as reading and driving more difficult. The majority of people with AMD experience a slow worsening of their vision, in one or both eyes, but the degeneration can occur more quickly for some.

Causes of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a complex condition that has no exact cause. Several genetic and environmental factors can contribute to a person developing AMD, including age, family history, blood pressure, gender, diet/obesity, and smoking.²

Signs & symptoms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

In its earliest stages, dry AMD may not cause any symptoms, and it is only when the signs are detected at a sight test that you may become aware of it. The macula is the part of the retina that we use for central vision, so people who suffer from AMD usually report that reading becomes difficult, colours become less vibrant, and recognising faces is more difficult. It can occur suddenly, but most people experience a slow change in their vision, with one eye more affected than the other. With wet AMD, you might experience symptoms and signs such as a loss of central vision much earlier, which make it easier to spot yourself. It’s important to note that AMD isn’t painful, so be sure to see an eye care professional if your eyes begin to hurt or if you experience any other symptoms.

Some symptoms of AMD may include³:

• Blurred or distorted vision (central part of vision, not peripheral)
• Seeing waviness to what should otherwise be straight lines
• Colours appear less vibrant than they used to 
• Objects appear smaller than usual 

How is AMD diagnosed?

Your eye care professional may use various tests to get a better look at the back of the eyes, the most common being the dilated eye exam, which involves using eye drops to widen the pupils. This allows eye care professionals to examine the retina in more detail and spot early AMD signs such as drusen or changes to the retina’s pigment.

Fundus photography can also create a snapshot of how healthy your retina is since it highlights the size and extent of any drusen or pigmentation differences over time.

Another advanced imaging technique used often is Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which provides cross-sectional imagery of the retina. This gives eye care professionals detailed insights into the health of your retinal layers and can help them spot any potential damage caused by AMD. This newer, non-invasive method is now considered the preferred option for diagnosing certain types of AMD and monitoring its progression.

Using these tests, eye care professionals can determine whether AMD is present, and if it is, they can pinpoint which stage it is in, which type of AMD you have, and the best course of action moving forward to protect your vision.

Management and available treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

People who smoke, have a poor diet or have a family history of AMD are at a higher risk of developing the condition. As an age-related condition, it is difficult to prevent, but you can support your overall eye health and vision by eating a good, balanced diet, as well as taking nutritional supplements for your eyes and cutting down on, or stopping, smoking. Supplements containing antioxidants and zinc may help slow the progression of this condition for some, particularly those dealing with dry AMD.³

Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a healthy, balanced diet but can be useful to ensure that the daily recommended intake of essential vitamins and minerals is achieved. People who are taking any medication or are pregnant or breastfeeding should always seek the advice of a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplements.

Eating a diet rich in antioxidants and macular pigments, such as Lutein and Zeaxanthin, plus Omega-3 fatty acids, including oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, or flaxseed oil, may help reduce the risk of development and progression of AMD.³ You can also support your nutritional intake with specially formulated supplements. Nutrof® Total from the Théa product range is a supplement containing lutein and zeaxanthin which can support macular health. It also contains zinc, which may help with maintaining normal vision. We always recommend seeking the advice of you eye care professional before taking any supplements.

It has also been shown that eye exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, could lead to an increased risk of developing AMD too.^4,5 Therefore, it is advisable to wear sunglasses, or lenses with a UV filter, and a hat with a wide brim when out and about, even on bright overcast days, to help protect your eyes.

Those experiencing wet AMD are likely to be offered treatment with anti-angiogenic agents that help to reduce or even prevent the growth of new blood vessels under the macula. Although this isn’t aimed at restoring normal vision, this treatment can potentially go a long way in reducing the risk of further deterioration.^6,7 Otherwise, without treatment, wet AMD can lead to significant vision loss.

We always recommend seeking the help of your eyecare professional should you notice any changes or have any concerns relating to your eye health.

Age-related Macular Degeneration FAQs