Macular degenerations (or AMDs) are forms of degenerative eye disorders that are age-related and affect the macula of the retina. Risk factors linked to AMDs include age, genetics, poor diet, obesity, heart diseases, and hypertension. Identification of AMDs is through blurred vision, difficulties in reading and driving, difficulties in differentiating colors, among others. Treatment of AMDs vary across types, but being active, proper diet, and vitamin supplements are applicable.

Types and stages of macular degeneration include the following:

1. Early dry macular degeneration

The early dry macular degeneration types are the starting point of macula disorder that involves ‘breeding’ of a few small spots in and around the macula. Sign and symptoms of early dry AMD are also minimal, but in the event of its diagnosis, vitamin supplements, regular exercise, and routine medical work out can be applicable.

2. Intermediate dry macular degeneration

Intermediate dry macular degeneration is a type of degenerative eye disorder that is characterized by many yellow spots that grow in and around the macula of an eye. As opposed to early dry macular eye disorders, symptoms such as blurred vision, and the requirement for more light sharpness and contrast. Applications of adaptive devices such as computer screen readers as well as dietary therapies can limit their impacts.

3. Advanced dry macular degeneration

Widely known as geographic atrophy, this type of eye disorder is known to be more destructive in spheres of affecting one’s vision. Its symptoms may include, struggling to recognize faces, straight lines may appear wavy, difficulties in reading and identifying different colors. The use of magnifying glasses to aid reading, application of vitamin supplements, and medical workouts as designed by opticians are vital in alleviating effects of advanced dry AMD.

4. Wet macular degeneration

Unlike all dry AMDs, wet macular degeneration are usually more advanced in terms of their impacts on one’s vision.

5. What is wet AMD?

Wet AMD is a form of degenerative disorder that arises from the growth of blood vessels and spot tissues under the macula. These blood vessels are usually weak and eventually rupture and leak, resulting in the wetting of the macula. Wet macula mostly hinders vision focus. Symptoms of wet AMD include blurred vision, difficulties in reading and driving, inabilities to distinguish colors, among others. Treatment of wet AMDs include surgeries, vitamin supplements, and optical devices to aid vision.

Macular degenerations are disorders attributed to varied risk factors, which are either biological, behavioral, and environmental. There are no known treatments for AMDs, and therapies will aim to reduce the effects and progression rate of AMDs. It is crucial to understand that the impact of AMDs varies across different types. Several appropriate interventions to alleviate the impacts of AMDs include the inclusion of vitamins in your diet, regular exercise, regular eye screening, application of optical devices such as special magnifying glasses, among other interventions that may be explained by an optician. To learn more about AMDs, and for further tools, resources, coupons, and a welcome kit from Bausch + Lomb, please visit Sightmatters.com to fill out a form.