From the Guidelines
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) symptoms typically include blurred or reduced central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, distorted vision, and increased blurriness of printed words, with early symptoms often being subtle and unnoticed until the condition progresses. According to the most recent study 1, AMD is a leading cause of severe vision impairment among white Americans, with a prevalence that increases significantly with age. The symptoms of AMD can be divided into two forms: dry (more common) and wet (more severe), with the dry form developing gradually and wet AMD causing rapid vision loss.
Key Symptoms
- Blurred or reduced central vision
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
- Distorted vision (straight lines appearing wavy)
- Need for brighter light when reading
- Difficulty adapting to low light levels
- Increased blurriness of printed words
- Dark or empty areas in central vision
- Gradual change in color perception It is essential to note that early treatment of AMD is associated with a more favorable prognosis, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment can reduce legal blindness and visual impairment 1. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection, particularly for those over 50 or with a family history of the condition. While there's no cure for macular degeneration, treatments can slow progression and sometimes improve vision, especially for wet AMD.
Importance of Early Detection
- Early symptoms may be subtle and unnoticed until the condition progresses
- Comprehensive eye examination can represent a patient’s best opportunity to be diagnosed and treated at an earlier and potentially more favorable stage
- Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection, particularly for those over 50 or with a family history of the condition
- Early treatment of AMD is associated with a more favorable prognosis
- Anti-VEGF treatment can reduce legal blindness and visual impairment 1
From the Research
Symptoms of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
The symptoms of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) are not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the studies discuss the effects of AMD on vision and the treatment options available.
Effects of AMD on Vision
- Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD) is the most common cause of uncorrectable vision loss among the elderly in developed countries 2
- NVAMD is characterized by neovascularization of the choroid, mainly affecting the elderly population and causing gradual vision impairment 3
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly 4
Treatment Options for AMD
- Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy is the mainstay of treatment for NVAMD 3
- Bevacizumab and ranibizumab are the most frequently used anti-VEGF agents injected intravitreally to treat NVAMD 2
- The efficacy and safety of bevacizumab and ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) have been compared in several studies 2, 5, 6