Age-related Macular Degeneration:

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Age-related macular degeneration, also called AMD or ARMD, is an eye disease that may occur with aging. ARMD is a disease that targets 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 causing blurring or loss of vision in the center of your eyesight. These vision problems may progress slowly or quickly. ARMD may occur when the retina does not get enough nutrients (substances needed for growth). Decreased nutrients cause the supporting tissues of the retina to break down and drusen (yellow deposits or spots) to form. The light-sensitive cells of the eyes are then injured causing blurring in the center part of your sight.
  
  
• There are different stages of ARMD. Early ARMD may cause no vision changes and occurs when small drusen collect under the retina. With intermediate ARMD, more drusen, that are larger in size, collect under the retina. Patches of retina atrophy (wasting) and blurring vision may occur at this stage but there are no fovea changes. Late-stage ARMD has a dry or wet form, and causes a major decrease in your central vision and fovea atrophy. Dry ARMD, a less serious form, slowly causes vision changes and can sometimes change to wet ARMD. Wet ARMD is more severe and quickly causes damage to your central vision. Wet ARMD occurs when new, abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina. The blood vessels may break open, causing blood to leak out and damage the macula of the retina.
  
  
• Your risk for ARMD increases if you smoke or have high blood pressure. Common ARMD symptoms include blurred vision, a blind spot in your vision, or objects may look twisted. You may not see colors, depth, and detail clearly, and have trouble seeing in the dark. To diagnose ARMD you may need eye tests, including the Amsler grid, visual acuity, a dilated eye exam, or an angiography. Treatment of ARMD aims to slow or stop the disease from becoming worse. Treatment includes the use of corrective glasses, prevention and treatment of risk factors, anti-VEGF medicines, and laser treatments. With treatment, you may be able to stop your ARMD from getting worse. Treatment may help prevent permanent vision loss from ARMD.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Get your eyes checked:

All adults, 40 to 64 years of age, should have a complete eye exam every 2 to 4 years. Depending on your ARMD symptoms, such as vision loss, you may need eye exams more often. Ask your caregiver how often you should have your eyes checked.

Improve the lighting in your home:

Have enough light in your home to help you see objects better. Use light bulbs that reduce glare. Ask your caregiver what type of light bulbs are best, and if there are certain light bulbs you should avoid.

Manage your diet and medical problems:

If you weigh more than your caregiver suggests, try to lose weight and exercise regularly. Your caregiver may suggest eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. Talk with your caregiver if you are overweight and need help to lose weight. Controlling your medical problems, such as high blood pressure can also help prevent your ARMD from getting worse.

Protect yourself from the sun:

Always wear sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection lenses to protect your eyes when outdoors. If you have had PDT, it is best to avoid direct sunlight for as long as your caregiver suggests. Protect yourself by wearing clothing that covers your skin, such as long-sleeved shirts and hats. Always wear sunscreen to protect your skin when outdoors. Carry a card with you that says you are very sensitive to light. The card can be helpful to others in case of an emergency.

Stop smoking:

If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Smoking harms your body in many ways. Your ARMD is likely to get worse if you smoke. You are also more likely to have cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and other health problems if you smoke. Quitting smoking will improve your health and the health of those around you. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

Use bright and opposite colors in your home:

Decorate your rooms with solid colors that contrast, such as black and white. Containers or furniture with bright contrasting colors may also help you see objects better.

Visual rehabilitation:

Visual rehabilitation (rehab) uses activities to help you function with your vision loss in your daily life. A caregiver may help you choose tools to use, and suggest ways to keep your home or workplace safe. You may learn to use certain assistive devices during visual rehab. Assistive devices include corrective and magnifying glasses, large print books, and other large print materials. Calculators with large number pads, and other devices may also help you see better. Talking books and computer programs that type as you speak may also be used. Ask your caregiver for information about assistive devices you can use. Together, you and your caregiver will plan a visual rehab program that is right for you.

For support and more information:

Having ARMD may be life-changing for you and your family. Accepting that you have ARMD may be hard. You may feel anxious (worried) and scared. These feelings are normal. You may want to join a support group, which is a group of people who also have ARMD. You can also contact the following:

• American Academy of Ophthalmology
  7424
  San Francisco , CA 941207424
  Phone: 1- 415 - 5618500
  Web Address: http://www.aao.org/
  

• Macula Vision Research Foundation
  Five Tower Bridge 300 Barr Harbor Drive, Suite 600
  West Conshohocken , PA 19428-2984
  Phone: 1- 610 - 6686705
  Phone: 1- 866 - 4622852
  Web Address: www.mvrf.org/supportsight/
  

• National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
  202 Vision Pl.
  Bethesda , MD 20892-3655
  Phone: 1- 301 - 496-5248
  Web Address: www.nei.nih.gov
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have discomfort or pain in your eye after getting treatment for ARMD.
  
  
• You have new or increased blurred vision or blind spots.
  
  
• You have new or increased redness in your treated eye.
  
  
• You have new or increased trouble seeing or eye pain when in the light.
  
  
• You see new or an increased number of floaters.
  
  
• Your symptoms prevent you from doing your daily activities.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You suddenly lose vision in one or both of your eyes.
  
  

Copyright © 2011. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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.

Learn more about Age-related Macular Degeneration: (Discharge Care)