From the Guidelines
Acute age-related macular degeneration (AMD) typically presents with sudden vision distortion, rapid decrease in central vision, and a dark or empty spot in the center of vision, and patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms. The most common symptoms of acute AMD include:
- Sudden vision distortion where straight lines appear wavy or bent (metamorphopsia) 1
- A rapid decrease in central vision
- A dark or empty spot in the center of vision (central scotoma)
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Problems reading or performing detailed tasks
- Colors may also appear less vibrant These symptoms typically develop rapidly over days to weeks, unlike the gradual progression seen in dry AMD 1. The symptoms occur because abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood, causing swelling and damage to the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Prompt treatment with anti-VEGF injections can help preserve vision, and delay in treatment may result in permanent vision loss, as the leaking blood vessels can cause irreversible damage to the photoreceptors in the macula 1. It is essential to identify patients at higher risk of developing choroidal neovascularization or advanced AMD, as early treatment is associated with a more favorable prognosis 1. A comprehensive eye examination may represent a patient’s best opportunity to be diagnosed and treated at an earlier and potentially more favorable stage 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Acute Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
The symptoms of acute age-related macular degeneration (AMD) include:
- Loss of central vision (central scotoma) 2
- Severe difficulties with reading that may be only partly compensated by magnifying glasses or screen-projection devices 2
- Progressive central visual loss with intact peripheral vision 3
- Drusen (yellow deposits in the retina) on ophthalmoscopic examination 3
- Prominent choroidal vessels, subretinal edema, and/or hemorrhage in wet AMD 3
Types of AMD
There are two types of advanced AMD:
Diagnosis and Treatment
AMD is diagnosed primarily with clinical examination, including:
- Visual field testing 3
- Fluorescein angiography 3
- Optical coherence tomography 3, 4 Treatment options include:
- Antioxidant supplementation for dry AMD 3
- Intravitreal injection of a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor for wet AMD 3, 4
- Optical aids and devices to maximize function for patients with AMD 2, 3