I’ve Heard of Macular Degeneration – What Is It?

Many people have heard of the eye disease called Macular Degeneration. Also known by its abbreviation AMD, Age-Related Macular Degeneration is one the leading causes of vision loss in people ages 60 and older. The prefix “Age-Related” is important – macular degeneration very rarely occurs in anyone under the age of 60.

Visual Representation of an Eye Anatomy | Macular Degeneration

To better understand what AMD is, let’s first talk about the anatomy of our eyes. Now, envision your eyes divided into 3 parts – the front, the middle, and the back. We are all born with a clear lens at the very front of our eyeball which allows light to enter. The middle part of our eye is filled with a jelly-like substance called the vitreous humor, and the very back of our eye is called the retina. The retina itself is a light-sensitive tissue lining the back of our eye that enables vision. If you compare our eye to a tennis ball, the vitreous humor would be the air inside of the tennis ball, and the retina would be the interior rubber lining of the tennis ball on the interior of the neon yellow felt.

A Clock With Dark In the Center | Symptoms of Macular DegenerationMacular Degeneration is the deterioration of the central part of the retina. Another name for our central retina is the “macula.” The macula itself is an anatomical landmark right in the center of our eyes (just like the knee is a specific location on our leg, the macula is a specific location in our eyes!). The macula is only about 5 millimeters in diameter, but it processes all of our central vision. The very, very center of the macula is called the fovea. The fovea is 1 millimeter in diameter and is responsible for our ability to read, drive, and perform other intricate visual tasks.

In macular degeneration, the macula begins to deteriorate and cause gradual central vision changes. Peripheral vision typically continues to remain intact.  The macula itself is composed of photoreceptor cells that convert light into vision. When AMD damages these sensitive photoreceptor cells, it causes continued degradation of the vision.

Two Types of Macular Degeneration: Dry AMD and Wet AMD

DRY AMD

Macular Degeneration | Dry AMD

Dry AMD is more common, affecting anywhere from 80-90% of patients that have AMD.  Dry AMD is characterized by small bumps in your retina called ‘drusen’. These drusen are yellow deposits full of lipids and proteins leftover from the metabolism of vision that have collected in the retina. These bumps in our retina distort our vision and the underlying photoreceptor cells.

WET AMD

Macular Degeneration | Wet AMD

Wet AMD is less common, affecting only about 10% of patients. In Wet AMD, new, bad blood vessels begin to form in our macula and leak fluid into the retina. This excess fluid in our retina causes distortions in our vision. If left untreated, this fluid can form scars which can lead to blind spots in our vision, risking permanent central vision loss.

The size and amount of drusen in your eyes characterizes the severity of your AMD. There are three stages: early stage, intermediate stage, and advanced stage. As the drusen grow in size or severity, the AMD will progress to more advanced stages.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

There are a variety of factors that put someone at an increased risk of developing AMD. The two most common risk factors are age and genetics. If you have a family history of macular degeneration, you are at an increased risk of developing AMD. Additionally, it has been noted that smoking increases your risk of developing macular degeneration. Stopping smoking is the main modifiable risk factor and smoking cessation is strongly encouraged.

Other risk factors for developing macular degeneration include:

  • Excessive sun exposure or lack of UV protection.
  • Caucasian or European ancestry. Studies have shown that AMD develops more often in these ethnicities as compared to others.
  • Other Medical Comorbidities: Hypertension, Diabetes and Obesity.
  • Gender: Female. Women are more likely to develop AMD than men (though, both genders are still affected!).
  • Diet: Poor Nutrition. Patients that eat diets lacking in antioxidant and vitamin-enriched foods such as fruits and dark, leafy-green vegetables are more likely to develop AMD.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

In both forms of AMD, patients will experience a progressive decrease in central vision. This blurry or distorted vision is constant – it does not oscillate throughout the day, but instead is always present. You may first notice a change in your vision when you are reading your favorite book, or driving down a street – both tasks that typically require detailed, central vision.

Dry AMD – Trouble recognizing contrast or decreased ability to see in the dark, such as at night.

Wet AMD – Missing words in a sentence, seeing straight lines as wavy, or seeing central blurriness when looking closely at a picture or photograph.

How Do You Diagnose Macular Degeneration?

Amsler Grid | Eye Exam Tool

If you are experiencing any symptoms of AMD, it is important to seek a prompt dilated eye exam with an ophthalmologist. Many times, there are very early signs of AMD that your retina specialist could recognize at a biannual or yearly eye exam, but which you would not recognize in your vision. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial in slowing AMD progression.

Treatment of Macular Degeneration

The treatment for AMD depends on which type you have – Wet or Dry. A common treatment plan for both includes lifestyle modifications, such as changing your diet. We recommend eating dark, leafy-green vegetables, such as kale, spinach and broccoli. It is also recommended to increase your intake of foods rich in healthy, unsaturated fats, like olive oil, as well as foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and walnuts.

Wet AMD Treatment: Eye Injections

If you are suffering from Wet AMD, your medical provider may recommend injections of medication into the eye. As mentioned earlier, in Wet AMD, bad blood vessels cause fluid to leak into the retina. The medication contains a molecule called ‘anti-VEGF’ that works to remove the fluid. VEGF stands for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and is a signaling molecule in our body that tells our body to promote the growth of new blood vessels. When the medication anti-VEGF is injected, we attempt to reverse this signal and stop the blood vessels from leaking.

Patients who receive these injections usually need them over longer periods of time as the medication wears off with a couple months. That’s why you may hear of friends or family who receive eye injections on a continued interval.

Dry AMD Treatment: Eye Vitamins

A clinical trial research study conducted by the National Eye Institute titled Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (also known as AREDS2) concluded that oral supplementation of specific dosages of vitamins and minerals can help slow the progression of macular degeneration.

An eye vitamin, called AREDS2, is sold over-the-counter. If you have AMD, it is recommended you take this vitamin twice per day. It includes a specific dosage of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Zinc, and Copper, that was shown to slow the progression of Dry AMD.

It is important to note that the AREDS2 study was only shown to slow the progression, not to reverse AMD. Furthermore, the vitamins were only demonstrated to work in patients who had an active Dry AMD diagnosis, not for patients that have a family history of AMD. These vitamins were not shown to prevent getting AMD.

An exciting new treatment has come available for dry macular degeneration in 2023.  Syfovre is a medication that blocks complement, a source of immune-related damage in the eye.  By blocking complement, Syfovre slows the enlargement of blind spots in the central vision.  This medication, and others of the same class, will help to preserve reading and driving vision in patients experiencing advanced dry macular degeneration.

AMD Outlook

Many patients who receive a new macular degeneration diagnosis are often very concerned that they will go totally blind. AMD rarely progresses to this, and even in severe cases of AMD, peripheral vision typically remains intact. It takes on average about 10 years to lose vision with AMD. With proper diagnosis and treatment, however, we can combat any vision loss from occurring beforehand.

Please consult a physician with regards to driving or operating machinery if you have AMD as it can sometimes become unsafe to do so, or your vision may not meet legal driving requirements.

Next Steps – Contact us Today!

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please contact our office in Venice, Florida today! Dr. Anita Shane is a macular degeneration specialist trained at the top eye program in America, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. She will ensure that you receive the proper treatment to fit your needs.

If you have a family history of AMD or are at a higher risk of developing AMD, please do not delay in receiving a dilated eye examination. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important in managing macular degeneration. Our office is available to address any questions or concerns – please contact us today!

What Our Patients Are Saying

Diane Matteson
Diane Matteson
1726067969
My husband saw Dr. Shane and we were both very pleased with her explanation of exactly what is wrong with his eyes and what she can do to help him. She was not rushed, and she spent a lot of time with him. We are both very pleased that we found her. We highly recommend her.
Gary Kidwell
Gary Kidwell
1725827353
Dr. Anita Shane and her staff in Venice were very caring, friendly and compassionate. With a few health I have going on, being sent to see Dr. Shane was totally unexpected. From the time I walked into the office to the time that I left, everyone made me feel very comfortable. Staff was very professional, kind and friendly taking me through a series of tests. Once Dr. Shane came in and talked to me for a bit explaining everything that she was going to do and then after her looking at my eyes, she really made me feel at ease and explained everything to where I could understand it. Dr Shane is so kind, compassionate and down to earth. I left her office feeling very happy and relieved. Thank you Dr. Shane, see you again in December.
DrKondrup
DrKondrup
1722465255
When you think something may be wrong with your eye, every visit to the doctor is an emergency. When I called Dr. Shane‘s office they were so accommodating and getting me an appointment right away in one of their office locations. Both Dr. Anita Shane and Dr. Thomas Shane Came highly recommended to me Not only by another local ophthalmologist, but also by one of the world renowned ophthalmologist that I met years ago.Karina greeted me professionally and I had filled out the patient medical history online, which is what I suggest you do, and then I gave her my insurance cards, photo ID and sat down, getting ready to open my laptop and have a long wait. However, Mike came to get me right away and took me right in, and he also was very professional. After all the preliminary exam and eyedrops were done. I was taken to the exam room and less than five minutes later Dr. Shane came in.All I can say is that she is as amazing as they say she is. She was very professional and very thorough... and explained everything to me in detail. Thank goodness everything was fine and I was reassured. This is a great practice. Do not hesitate to pick up the phone and call.read more
Vicki Schmillen
Vicki Schmillen
1722350034
I had an emergency laser repair to my retina while out of state and needed a local retina specialist for follow up.. The office was extremely efficient and accommodating. Dr. Shane provided the necessary exams and explained what she saw. She was very easy to talk with, including about the condition of my eyes outside of the immediate concern of the repair.. I will definitely continue to use this office going forward and recommend it to anyone needing expert eye care.
Eddie Oldsalt
Eddie Oldsalt
1720647682
I do not take my wife just anywhere so when I bought her to Shane Retna, it was an amazing experience. The office staff from the time you enter were friendly and polite. My appointment was on time and the exam was well Above you competent. The doctor confirmed that there was visceral fluid was breaking apart, and it is normal for the age group that we are in. she performed a very thorough retina examination and we left there with positive news. I will be following up with her for my wife in the next few weeks and they will be my our new eye doctor for my diabetic eye exams and whatever treatment my wife needs. Just to make a note, they do not make glasses there, but that doesn’t mean anything. You can go take the prescription and go to any lensCrafters store or any other place that makes glasses
This is the best and most talented eye surgeon you could ever want! My husband had eye surgery with Dr Shane and I know another gal that had the same surgery with another doctor. My husband had to be face down for a week the other patient was not told to do that he had a full recovery the other patient with the other doctor is now blind in that eye. In addition she's married to another fabulous eye doctor who has been caring for my mother in Sarasota who is 97 with macular degeneration and she's still able to drive her electric wheelchair! These two physicians in Sarasota County are top shelf Dr Anita Shane in Venice and Dr Shane in Sarasota they are in my opinion a blessing to our community and we are so lucky to have them! Rev. Elizabeth Turk
lori gochenauer
lori gochenauer
1715693110
When I contacted Dr Shane’s office, they were able to get me a same day appointment. Every employee in her busy office was kind, patient and thorough. After preliminary tests and eye drops, Dr Shane completed the exam. She explained what and why I was experiencing my issue. She assured me that everything would be back to normal soon!She presents in a very comforting and confident manner.
Doug Danford
Doug Danford
1715692840
First, let me say that I called Dr. Shane's office on a Friday afternoon for an appointment and was given one for first thing Monday morning. Everyone that I encountered at Dr. Shane's office was helpful, friendly and upbeat, including Dr. Shane. Dr. Shane took the time to listen to the reasons for my visit and after performing a thorough examination, she took the time to explain in layman's terms what she saw and what actions I should take. Although I was basically a walk in, first time patient on vacation, I was treated as if I had been a patient for years! If I was a resident of this area, I would certainly choose Dr. Shane for my eye care. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Jim Stewart
Jim Stewart
1713984836
After several days of having symptoms of a possible retina tear, I called the office at just after 9am and was able to get an 11:15am appointment which was great. The wait in the office was not long at all. The medical assistant took all my information and did the pre-test work, e.g., eye chart, pressure test, etc. Dr Shane came in soon after and was very professional explaining everything she was doing during the exam as well as what was going on with my eye. Thankfully all was well. Since we were heading home in a week, the Dr’s office setup a follow up appointment with my own retinal specialist.I would highly recommend Dr Shane if you are in need of seeing a retina specialist 👍
Candice Secor
Candice Secor
1709661168
Absolutely loved Dr. Shane. Had one of the most thorough eye exams I've ever had. Even saw me on short notice and explained everything she was doing. I highly recommend.
Dr. Shane and her staff were efficient, professional and caring. The office got me in within 24 hours of my call for an eye issue. Everything about the tests and condition were explained in detail, the doctor patiently answered all my questions, and set up a follow up plan. Great service and a caring environment!
Practice was very responsive to potential eye issue in a timely way. It was a delight to meet Dr Shane & her staff. I will & have already referred her name & practice to our friends as a highly competent professional, & her caring approach to patient care.
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