Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is an unnoticed eye disease which gradually damages central vision (the area of retina responsible for clear straight ahead sight) over time. This condition is one of the leading causes of blindness among people over 50 years of age.

Researchers recently conducted studies indicating that cataract surgery does not increase the risk of wet age related macular degeneration – this is great news for patients undergoing cataract procedures!

1. Drusen

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive condition that gradually destroys sharp central vision, leading to irreversible blindness in those over 50. A person’s eye contains two components – retina and macula. The macula is responsible for central vision, which allows us to read, drive a car, see colors, recognize faces and distinguish fine details in distance. AMD gradually diminishes central vision but may still allow you to retain peripheral (side) vision. Dry AMD is the most prevalent form of AMD. This condition occurs when retinal area known as the macula thins over time and tiny protein clumps, called drusen, form under it. As these drusen grow larger central vision is compromised further – unfortunately no treatment exists at present for dry AMD.

Scientists don’t fully understand why drusen form, but do know that larger and more numerous drusen increases your risk of advanced dry AMD or wet AMD.

Drusen are yellow deposits under the retina that appear as tiny spots or specks during dilated eye exams, often without causing vision impairment; however, as their size and number increase they increase your risk for early or intermediate dry AMD or wet AMD.

Study results examined the progression of AMD in pseudophakic eyes that underwent cataract surgery with intraocular lenses that increased UV and blue light transmission; they compared this group with another one without filters; they found that presence of UV-absorbing intraocular lenses were associated with hard and soft drusen development, RPE thickening/calcification/thinning, geographic atrophy/subretinal neovascularization/disciform scars within two years after surgery; there was also an obvious correlation between their occurrence and length of time since surgery.

2. Blind Spot

Scotomas (or central area of vision) typically feature a black, gray or blurry spot when looking directly ahead. While this may be normal in certain instances, when it occurs more frequently it can hinder your daily tasks such as reading or driving.

Central vision in the eye is created by retina located at the back of each eye. This structure contains light-sensitive photoreceptor cells which relay visual data to your brain for processing, with one area near where optic nerve meets retina that does not contain light-sensitive cells and thus appears “blind”, known as blind spot.

Normal vision allows two eyes to overlap their respective visual fields, combining information from each eye and closing any central blind spots that exist. This enables the brain to use its superior processing power to compensate for lack of information and fill in missing images.

Unfortunately, this process is interrupted by the development of Neovascular Age Related Macular Degeneration (wet AMD). Wet AMD results from abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina that leak blood and protein into photoreceptor cells to destroy them quickly leading to rapid vision loss if left untreated. Symptoms include sudden decreases in central vision, changes in color perception and distortions of shapes.

Cataract surgery is often recommended to those suffering from advanced macular degeneration due to its proven success at protecting and increasing distance vision. Unfortunately, wet AMD frequently co-occurs with cataracts and may exacerbate its progression, while also decreasing OCT image quality used for diagnosis/monitoring purposes and potentially harming treatment outcomes. Therefore, regular follow-up for patients both diagnosed with cataracts and advanced macular degeneration must occur so as to detect natural progression early enough and treat accordingly, in order to avoid irreversible vision loss.

3. Blurred Vision

Macular degeneration gradually destroys the central retinal area known as the macula, reducing clarity when looking straight ahead. Over time, macular degeneration deteriorates it further to cause blurry vision – making reading, driving or even recognizing faces difficult; yet peripheral (side) vision remains normal in these patients.

Blurred vision may be caused by any number of conditions, from glaucoma and cataracts to neurological diseases. A comprehensive eye exam will help pinpoint the source of your blurry vision and suggest treatment solutions that best address it.

Blurred vision can often be corrected with corrective lenses (eyeglasses or contact lenses). These lenses help focus light onto your retina for clearer vision. In more severe cases of blurred vision, however, medication or surgery may be prescribed by your physician in order to address its source.

Blurred vision can often be caused by dry eyes. Aging leads to decreased tear production; when blinking, your eye does not produce enough tears to maintain an adequate moisture layer on its surface. Lubricating drops may provide relief – just put them on and watch!

Blurry vision can also be an indicator of disease in your body, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms like photophobia, difficulty speaking or swallowing, numbness or tingling in your face or hands, etc. Consultation with an eye care provider is strongly advised if any such symptoms arise.

Blurry vision can be disconcerting for patients suffering from AMD, particularly since it often manifests without warning signs or pain. With regular dilated eye exams and advances in macular degeneration treatment, it may be possible to slow down or stop progression of this disease. Recent studies demonstrate that cataract surgery does not increase a patient’s risk for late age-related macular degeneration. The study analyzed data from AREDS2 participants and revealed that those with neovascular AMD who underwent cataract surgery experienced comparable improvement to those without such disease; furthermore, no increased risk for fluid accumulation was noted after surgery or worsening of visual acuity was noticed postoperatively.

4. Distortion of Vision

As age-related macular degeneration affects your central retinal area, it can result in distortion of your vision. Since your macula controls central vision and fine details perception, straight objects may appear crooked or wavy; reading, driving and recognising faces become harder or impossible altogether; macular degeneration usually does not impact peripheral vision – you will still be able to use peripheral vision for everyday use and self care even with severe cases of macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration comes in two forms – dry and wet. Drusen, tiny pieces of yellow-white fatty protein found under the retina, form under it as the macula slowly deteriorates over time. Meanwhile, abnormal blood vessels may grow underneath it and leak fluid onto it resulting in severe loss of central vision and even hemorrhages within it. Over time these abnormal vessels will leak further and further diminish your central vision until eventually you will lose it all together.

Wet macular degeneration often progresses more rapidly than dry form macular degeneration, so it’s crucial that those aged 50 or above see an ophthalmologist regularly, especially after reaching this milestone. Early treatment with medications such as VEGF inhibitors could slow the rate of progression while helping preserve their central vision.

Visual distortion can be the telltale symptom of many eye diseases and conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment. To identify any potentially vision-threatening pathologies through an extensive history and examination process. If you are experiencing visual distortion, don’t hesitate to reach out – our retina specialists at Rowan Eye Center would love to meet with you soon – so call now!