Stages of Macular Degeneration

stages of macular degeneration

Table of Contents

Are you Suffering with Macular Degeneration?
Learn about our natural treatment

By submitting your information,you agree to receive emails and SMS notifications. Msg&data rates may apply. Text STOP to unsubscribe.

Macular degeneration: what is it? 

An eye condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can cause central vision to become blurry. It occurs when the macula, the area of the eye that regulates precise, straight-ahead vision, deteriorates with age. The retina includes the macula (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). 

Macular degeneration is a prevalent disorder and the main reason why older persons lose their eyesight. Although macular degeneration can not result in total blindness, losing your central vision might make it more difficult to read, drive, or perform close-up tasks like cooking or home maintenance. 

Some people experience age-related macular degeneration extremely slowly, whereas others experience it quite quickly. You could take a while to notice visual loss if you have early-stage macular degeneration. To determine if you have AMD, it is crucial to undergo routine eye exams. 

What types and stages of Macular Degeneration are there? 

Macular Degeneration occurs in both dry and wet forms. 

Macular degeneration that is non-exudative or “dry”  

The dry type of age-related macular degeneration affects around 85% of people. As the macula thins out and little clusters of drusen start to form, dry AMD gradually impairs your ability to see clearly in the center of your field of vision. 

Age-related exudative (“Wet”) macular degeneration 

Exudative AMD causes aberrant blood vessels to form beneath the retina in order to help the macula get nutrients (choroidal neovascularization or CNV). These blood vessels may become leaky, which might damage the macula. You lose eyesight more quickly with wet AMD than with dry AMD. 

Most macular degeneration patients have dry macular degeneration (also called atrophic AMD). At this point in life, the macula begins to thin. Early, middle, and late phases of dry AMD all occur together. Typically, it develops gradually over a number of years. Late-stage dry macular degeneration has no known cure, but there are techniques to maximize your remaining vision. You can also take precautions to safeguard your other eye if you only have late-stage dry macular degeneration in one eye. 

Early and intermediate-stage macular degeneration 

Drusen buildup under the retina causes the early and intermediate stages of age-related macular degeneration to manifest. 

Early-stage macular degeneration often has little to no effect on your vision. 

While the advancement of intermediate-stage macular degeneration is slower, the drusen will be bigger and you could notice some disturbances to your central vision. In reality, the development of late-stage AMD may or may not take place. 

Macular degeneration in its late stages 

There are two types of late AMD: dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular), which can cause visual loss. 

Atrophic (dry) macular degeneration  

Geographic atrophy is another name for dry (atrophic) AMD. Atrophy of the retinal cells causes areas of the retina to disappear and the loss of central vision. About one-third of all instances of advanced age-related macular degeneration is caused by dry AMD. 

Some persons who now have dry (atrophic) macular degeneration may later acquire wet (neovascular) macular degeneration.   

Stages of wet macular degeneration

The most aggressive kind of AMD is called wet (neovascular) AMD. Central vision alterations are frequently abrupt and severe in wet age-related macular degeneration. 

Under the retina, irregular blood vessels develop in wet (neovascular) AMD. These newly formed vessels—”neovascular” refers to new vessels—are weak and prone to blood and fluid leaks, which might harm the macula. It frequently results in an abrupt loss of central vision. 

Wet AMD is a less frequent form of late-stage macular degeneration that typically results in a rapid visual loss (also known as advanced neovascular AMD). Wet AMD can develop at any stage of dry AMD, however wet AMD is always the late stage. The macula is harmed when aberrant blood vessels develop in the back of the eye. The good news is that there are wet macular degeneration treatment options available.  

Macular Degeneration Symptoms

stages of macular degeneration

The stages of AMD affect the symptoms. Early, middle, and late phases of dry AMD all occur together. Since AMD is a degenerative condition, symptoms often worsen with time. 

  • Early-stage dry AMD has no symptoms. 
  • Some patients with intermediate dry AMD remain symptomless. Others may experience minor symptoms, such as slight central vision blurriness or difficulty seeing in dim lights. 
  • Many individuals observe that straight lines start to seem wavy or curved in late AMD (wet or dry type). There can also be a hazy spot right in the middle of your field of vision. This hazy region could expand with time or you might notice blank spaces. Additionally, colors can look less vibrant than usual, and dim lighting might make it harder for you to see. 
  • A warning indication of advanced AMD is when straight lines seem wavelike. Visit your eye doctor as soon as possible if you have this symptom. 

Who is at risk for Macular degeneration?

As you age, you become more susceptible to AMD. A greater likelihood of AMD exists in those over the age of 55. An increased risk of AMD exists for those who: 

  • Have AMD in your family 
  • Are White 
  • Are smokers

It’s crucial to get routine eye exams if you have AMD due to your age, family history, or other circumstances. How frequently should you have your eyes examined? Ask your doctor. Don’t wait for your eyesight to alter because early AMD has no symptoms. 

How to Prevent Macular Degeneration

Making these healthy decisions may help you reduce your risk of AMD (or slow vision loss from AMD), according to research: 

  • Stop smoking or avoid starting. 
  • Engage in regular exercise 
  • Maintain normal levels of cholesterol and blood pressure (blood pressure meds increase risk also). 
  • Consume healthful meals, such as fish and leafy greens. 
  • Take a good AREDS formula ocular vitamin

How Common is Macular Degeneration?

11 million people in the United States have AMD, making it a fairly prevalent condition. 

Late Stage Macular Degeneration Occurs in 1 or Both Eyes

If you have late AMD in one eye, your chance of acquiring late AMD in the other eye is increased. 

How will my ophthalmologist test for Macular Degeneration?  

Macular Degeneration may be detected by eye professionals as part of a thorough dilated eye exam. Your doctor will give you some eye drops to expand your pupils before doing a quick and painless eye exam to screen for AMD and other eye issues. 

OCT Scan for Macular Degeneration

Additionally, your doctor could advise having an examination called optical coherence tomography (OCT). Your eye doctor will use a special device to capture photos of the interior of your eye during an OCT exam. 

What are the treatments for Macular Degeneration? 

The stage and kind of AMD affect the course of treatment. Early-stage AMD has no known cure, so your ophthalmologist will likely merely do routine eye exams to monitor your eyes’ health. Healthy eating, consistent exercise, and giving up smoking can all be beneficial.  

AREDS Vitamins

macular degeneration drugs - stages of macular degeneration

An AREDS 2 vitamin formulation may be able to prevent late AMD from developing if you have intermediate AMD in 1 or both of your eyes. These supplements may decrease the progression of AMD in your other eye if you just have late AMD in one eye. 

If you have wet macular degeneration a couple of the treatments are: 

Anti-VEGF medications that a doctor injects into your eye 

Injections of a light-activated dye and laser therapy are used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). 

There is presently no cure for late dry AMD, but doctors are working hard to find a solution. Additionally, you can seek assistance to help you cope with AMD-related visual loss. 

Ocular Formulahttps://lowvisionaids.org/store/macular-degeneration-vitamins/

How can I manage AMD-related visual loss? 

Not all AMD patients experience late-onset or bilateral occurrence. Living with AMD-related visual loss, however, can be difficult. Low vision makes it difficult to carry out daily chores, even with the aid of glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. 

The good news is that there are resources available, including low vision aids and services for vision rehabilitation. With limited vision, vision rehabilitation may teach you the skills you need to maintain your independence and keep active.

Summary

Early Stage Dry Macular Degeneration

Although you might not notice any difference in your eyesight at first, your doctor may find tiny deposits, or drusen, in your macula that can harm the eye. Both eyes may have drusen, or only one.  

What to expect:

Even while drusen normally won’t go away, they might not progress to the point where they become a concern for some persons with them. In these cases, there is no central vision loss at all. This is why many medical professionals advise preventative measures that might avoid future harm to your macula, such as vitamin supplements

Intermediate-stage dry macular degeneration 

Drusen has the potential to gradually harm the macular cells and begin to impair your central vision. However, if only one eye is impacted and the other eye makes up for it, you might not notice any noticeable vision alterations. 

What to expect:

There can be a blurry area in the middle of your field of vision. Reading and other close work will be simpler with greater light, and you might still be able to drive throughout the day. However, when your eyesight changes, you could have a feeling of loss and worry about the future. Just keep in mind that you could have hit a plateau, which might endure for years. 

Advanced Stage Dry Macular degeneration 

There will likely be a noticeable impact on your central vision if your AMD proceeds to the advanced stage, also known as geographic atrophy, which can happen over many years or more quickly. 

What to expect:

Doing regular duties and activities might be challenging if you have severe AMD. It’s a frightening idea, but with assistance, many individuals may acquire new skills by utilizing their peripheral vision (AMD normally just affects your central vision) and experimenting with the various low-vision aids and technology that are readily available.  

Late Stage Wet Macular Degeneration

One in ten individuals with dry AMD goes on to develop wet AMD, which can cause serious visual loss. Ask your doctor whether you have any drusen since certain people, even in the early stages of AMD, are more susceptible to this form of ailment. Wet macular degeneration often develops abruptly and may be treated to reduce the damage, so it’s vital to check your eyesight for any changes every week, especially if your risk factor is greater. 

What to expect:

In addition to causing blurry center vision, the moist type of AMD frequently causes severe distortion of what you can see in front of you. The distinction between bright and dark tones could be more difficult to make, and the colors might look flat. The severity of your vision loss may need you to make several adaptations to how you live inside and outside, but quick treatment can reduce your risk of visual loss.

FAQ’s

How long does macular degeneration take to develop? 

Exactly how quickly does macular degeneration develop? Dry AMD often progresses over several years, frequently within ten years, from the first diagnosis to substantial vision loss. 

What phases of macular degeneration are there? 

There are three different phases. Early, middle, and late AMD are those. Wet (neovascular) or dry (atrophic) AMD are both types of late AMD. 

What is the average age of onset of macular degeneration? 

A condition of the eyes called macular degeneration gradually impairs crisp, center vision. Reading and seeing fine print become challenging as a result. Because the condition most frequently affects those over 60, it is sometimes referred to as age-related macular degeneration (ARMD or AMD).

About the Author:
Dr Shaun Larsen

Dr Shaun Larsen

Dr. Shaun Larsen is an optometrist who specializes in low vision services and enhancing vision with contact lenses. He has a passion for making people's lives better by helping them see well enough to read, write, or drive again. He always keeps up with the latest technology so he can help people regain their independence.

Macular
Degeneration?

Stop It Now...

Related Posts
shop cartShop Best Low-Vision Aids with FREE Doctor Consultation.Yes! Let's Go