Watching over your central vision.

Macular degeneration is an age-related disease that damages the macula, the central part of the retina. AMD affects central vision while typically preserving peripheral (side) vision.

There is no difference. AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) and ARMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) are two commonly used abbreviations for the same condition.

The exact cause is not fully understood, but risk factors include:

• Aging
• Family history
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Obesity
• Poor diet
• Excessive ultraviolet light exposure

Risk increases with:

• Age over 50
• Family history of AMD
• Smoking
• Caucasian race
• High blood pressure
• Elevated cholesterol
• Obesity

AMD rarely causes complete blindness because peripheral vision is usually preserved. However, it can cause severe loss of central vision, making reading, driving, and facial recognition difficult.

Symptoms may include:

• Blurry central vision
• Distorted vision
• Wavy lines
• Difficulty reading
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• Dark spots in central vision
• Needing brighter light to read

Wavy or distorted vision is often a sign of macular disease and may indicate wet macular degeneration. Patients experiencing new distortion should seek prompt evaluation.

An Amsler Grid is a simple monitoring tool used to detect changes in central vision. Missing areas, distortion, or wavy lines may indicate progression of macular degeneration.

Dry AMD is the most common form of macular degeneration. It develops gradually over time as retinal cells become damaged and drusen deposits accumulate beneath the retina.

Drusen are yellow deposits that form beneath the retina. Small drusen may be part of normal aging, while larger drusen are often associated with macular degeneration.

Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood. Wet AMD can cause rapid vision loss and often requires prompt treatment.

Yes. Wet AMD can cause sudden and severe central vision loss if not treated promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.

Yes. Some patients with dry AMD eventually develop wet AMD. Regular eye examinations help detect these changes early.

Currently, there is no cure for AMD. However, treatments can slow progression and preserve vision in many patients.

No. Vision loss caused by AMD is generally permanent. The goal of treatment is to preserve remaining vision and slow further progression.

Diagnosis may include:

• Dilated retinal examination
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
• Retinal photography
• Fluorescein angiography
• Amsler Grid testing

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an advanced retinal scan that creates detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and macula. OCT is one of the most important tools for diagnosing and monitoring AMD.

Patients with intermediate or advanced dry AMD may benefit from AREDS2 vitamin supplements.

The AREDS2 formula contains:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Copper
• Lutein
• Zeaxanthin

Patients should consult their ophthalmologist before starting supplements.

AREDS2 vitamins are scientifically studied nutritional supplements shown to reduce the risk of progression from intermediate AMD to advanced AMD in appropriate patients.

Yes. A healthy diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fish, fruits, and antioxidants may support retinal health and reduce progression risk.

Absolutely. Smoking is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for AMD and significantly increases the likelihood of vision loss.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps patients can take to protect their vision.

Regular exercise supports cardiovascular health and may help reduce progression risk through improved blood flow and overall health.

Treatment often includes anti-VEGF injections that reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and retinal swelling.

Anti-VEGF medications help control abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage beneath the retina.

Common medications include:

• Eylea
• Vabysmo
• Lucentis
• Avastin

These treatments have dramatically improved outcomes for patients with wet AMD.

Most patients tolerate retinal injections very well. The eye is thoroughly numbed before treatment, and the procedure typically takes only a few minutes.

Treatment frequency varies depending on the medication used and the severity of disease. Some patients require monthly treatment initially, while others may be treated less frequently over time.

Many patients continue driving safely during early stages of AMD. Driving ability depends on visual acuity, visual function, and state licensing requirements.

Yes. AMD commonly affects both eyes, although one eye may be affected earlier or more severely.

Yes. A family history of AMD increases your risk. Patients with affected parents or siblings should receive regular retinal examinations.

Contact your ophthalmologist immediately if you experience:

• New distortion
• Wavy lines
• Dark spots
• Sudden vision loss
• Blurred central vision

Prompt evaluation is critical because wet AMD can progress rapidly.

Geographic Atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry AMD in which retinal cells progressively die, creating areas of permanent vision loss.

Yes. New FDA-approved treatments are available that may help slow the progression of Geographic Atrophy in selected patients.

Current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that normal exposure to blue light from screens causes AMD. However, protecting eyes from excessive ultraviolet light remains important.

While AMD cannot always be prevented, risk may be reduced through:

• Not smoking
• Healthy diet
• Blood pressure control
• Cholesterol management
• Regular exercise
• UV protection
• Regular eye examinations

At May Eye Care Center, we provide comprehensive retinal evaluations, advanced OCT imaging, macular degeneration monitoring, AREDS2 counseling, early detection of wet AMD, and coordination of care for patients requiring retinal treatment. Our goal is to preserve vision and maintain quality of life for patients throughout Hanover, York, Gettysburg, Adams County, Carroll County, and surrounding communities.