Consumer Information

Age-related Macular Degeneration

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Age-related macular (MAK-u-lar) degeneration (dee-gen-er-AY-shun), also called AMD or ARMD, is an eye disease that may come with aging. It is a disease that affects the macula (center part) of the retina (back of the eye). The macula contains the fovea, which helps you to see images in sharp detail. With ARMD, the macula becomes damaged, which causes blurring or loss of vision in the center of your eyesight. These vision problems may progress slowly or quickly. It may occur when the retina receives fewer nutrients (substances needed for growth). Decreased nutrients cause the supporting tissues of the retina to break down and drusen (yellow deposits) to form. The light-sensitive cells of the eyes are then affected, which causes blurring in the center part of your sight. Over time, new blood vessels may grow, leak blood, and cause more damage.
Early ARMD is marked by the presence of many small drusen (yellow deposits or spots) under the retina. The retina may be more colored or less colored than normal. There is usually no change in your vision. Intermediate ARMD has even more drusen that are of a larger size. There may be patches of atrophy (wasting) of the retina. The patches do not affect the fovea at this stage. There may be a blurry spot in the middle of your vision and you may need more light when reading and doing other activitiesLate-stage ARMD has a dry or wet form, and causes a great decrease in the center part of your vision. Dry ARMD is more common and is a less serious form of late-stage ARMD. It slowly causes changes in vision and can sometimes turns into the wet form. Wet ARMD is more severe and quickly causes damage to central vision. It occurs when new blood vessels form and grow in the retina. These new blood vessels may easily break, leak blood, and cause more damage. The fovea is atrophied with late-stage ARMD.
Common ARMD symptoms include blurred vision, a blind spot in your vision, or seeing wavy lines when they are really straight. You may not see colors, depth, and detail clearly, and have trouble seeing in the dark. Eye tests, including visual acuity, slit-lamp exam, dilated eye exam, and angiography, may be needed to diagnose ARMD. Treatment of ARMD aims to slow or stop the disease from becoming worse. This may include use of assistive devices, such as magnifying lenses, prevention and treatment of risk factors, and anti-VEGF and laser treatments. With treatment and care, such as controlling health problems, more serious problems of ARMD may be prevented and your quality of life improved.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Eye checks: All adults, 40 to 64 years of age, should have a complete eye exam every 2 to 4 years. Ask your caregiver if you need to have your eyes checked more often.

Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy (OT) uses work, self-care, and play activities to help you in your daily life. OT teaches special skills for bathing, dressing, cooking, eating, or driving. An occupational therapist may help you choose tools to use, and suggest ways to keep your home or workplace safe. You and your therapist will plan a therapy program that is right for you.

Seeing better: The following tips may help you see better:

Books, checks, calculators, pill bottles, and telephones with large print will be easier to read. Certain devices may also be used, such as talking books or computer programs that type as you speak. Magnifying mirrors and glasses may also help you in your daily activities, such as reading or shaving.
Make changes in your home, such as improving lighting in hallways and taking away things that reflect light. Remove glossy and polished surfaces and use lights that reduce glare. Ask your caregiver for the type of light bulbs that are best for you to use. Decorate your rooms with solid colors that contrast, such as black and white.
Use containers or furniture with bright contrasting colors.
When outdoors, wear sunglasses with UV (ultraviolet) absorbing lenses to protect your eyes.

Exercise: Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. It is best to start slowly and do more as you get stronger. Exercising makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and keeps you healthy.

Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

Your symptoms prevent you from doing your daily activities.
You have questions or concerns about your disease, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

Your eye problems become worse, such as having blurred vision or blind spots.
You suddenly lose your eyesight.
You feel a sudden, sharp pain in your eye.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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