From the Guidelines
The term for central vision loss is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. This condition is also known as maculopathy, and it is a leading cause of severe vision impairment among older adults, particularly white Americans 1. The two main types of AMD are dry AMD, characterized by drusen deposits, and wet AMD, which involves abnormal blood vessel growth and is less common but more severe.
Key Characteristics of AMD
- Early symptoms include blurry or distorted central vision, difficulty reading, and seeing dark or empty spots in the center of vision
- Risk factors include aging, smoking, family history, and high blood pressure
- Treatment options vary by type, with nutritional supplements containing vitamins C, E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin potentially slowing dry AMD progression, while wet AMD may require anti-VEGF injections like ranibizumab (Lucentis), aflibercept (Eylea), or bevacizumab (Avastin) to stop abnormal blood vessel growth 1.
Importance of Early Detection and Treatment
Central vision loss occurs because the disease damages the photoreceptor cells in the macula that are essential for detailed vision, while peripheral vision typically remains intact. Early treatment of AMD is associated with a more favorable prognosis, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment given within 2 years after diagnosis of neovascular AMD has been shown to reduce legal blindness and visual impairment 1. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals, especially those at high risk, to undergo comprehensive eye examinations to detect AMD at an early stage and initiate appropriate treatment.
From the Research
Definition of Central Vision Loss
The term for central vision loss is also known as maculopathy, specifically age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a growing public health concern that affects the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane in the macula, leading to secondary photoreceptor degeneration and eventual loss of central vision 2.
- AMD is characterized by progressive loss of central vision, which has significant implications for quality of life concerns in an increasingly ageing population 4.
- The disease often results in profound disability due to the destruction of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central visual acuity and color vision 3.
Characteristics of Central Vision Loss
- Central vision loss associated with AMD often results in a central scotoma, which is a loss of vision in the central 15-20 degrees of the visual field 5.
- Individuals suffering from central vision loss from AMD often retain peripheral vision 3.
- The onset of a central scotoma results in the absence of retinal inputs to corresponding regions of retinotopically mapped visual cortex 5.