Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a very common eye condition that affects the central part of the retina, called the macula. As the leading cause of vision loss in older adults, it’s a common concern among patients in Tampa Bay and throughout Florida.
Read on to learn about the types and stages of AMD to better understand this prevalent eye condition from Tampa Bay leading ophthalmologist, Ahad Mahootchi, MD
Types of AMD
The two main types of AMD are wet and dry.
Dry macular degeneration occurs when the retinal pigment beneath the retina atrophies, causing a loss of the rods and cones (known as photoreceptors) in the central part of the eye. This leads to vision loss. About 5% of patients with dry AMD develop the more aggressive form called Geographic Atrophy (GA).
Wet macular degeneration is a more aggressive form of AMD. It occurs when abnormal new blood vessels in the eye leak fluid or blood into the macula. This can appear quickly, but more often can occur after having dry AMD for some time. Wet macular degeneration typically progresses faster than dry AMD and can lead to severe vision loss. About 5% of AMD patients will develop wet AMD.
Stages of AMD
The three stages of AMD are early, intermediate, and late. With early-stage AMD, most patients notice little to no difference in their vision. However, this is when intervention can most change the likelihood of vision loss later. Since early AMD generally doesn’t produce symptoms in its early stages, when it’s the most treatable, yearly eye exams with our Tampa area ophthalmologists are essential for older adults to preserve their vision.
In the intermediate stage of AMD, some people experience changes in their central vision. During this stage, symptoms typically progress slowly but are frustrating. A simple treatment can really reduce risk, and newly released treatment for GA can slow down the disease considerably.
Late-stage AMD is the most likely to threaten your central vision. During this stage, cases of dry AMD can progress into wet AMD, which tends to cause more severe and sudden vision loss.
Regular eye exams can ensure that your eye doctor catches early signs of AMD for the best possible prognosis. At The Eye Clinic of Florida, we provide expert care for patients with macular degeneration in the Greater Tampa area. Schedule an appointment with us today!