Age-related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month: Symptoms, Causes, and More

• Written by Jyotsana Shekhawat

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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Millions of people worldwide struggle with the threat of irreversible sight loss due to Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). A progressive eye disease, AMD affects the macula—the central part of the retina—leading to blurred vision and, in severe cases, blindness. February is recognised as Macular Degeneration Awareness Month. It is a period to spread knowledge about the condition's symptoms, risks, and treatments.

While there is no outright cure for AMD, early detection and proactive care can help preserve vision. Understanding this condition and its symptoms and making lifestyle changes can help slow its progression. 

Keep reading to learn more about macular degeneration symptoms, its causes, and its treatment.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular Degeneration is a degenerative condition that damages the macular, impacting central vision. It primarily affects individuals over the age of 50 and is one of the leading causes of blindness among people from senior age groups.

There are essentially two types of AMD:

• Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The most common form of this condition, Dry Macular Degeneration, develops gradually as the macula ages.
• Wet Macular Degeneration: This is a more severe type of AMD, where abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leading to quicker vision loss.

Macular Degeneration Symptoms

Symptoms of AMD can vary from one person to another, depending on various factors. Here are the common warning signs:

• Blurry or fuzzy vision
• Dark or blank spots in the centre of the vision
• Straight lines appearing distorted or wavy
• Difficulty recognising faces
• Loss of/weak central vision that is essential for tasks like reading, driving, etc.
• Hallucinations (seeing things that are not there)

Note that these signs may not occur at the initial stage of AMD. That said, regular eye check-ups and consultations are key to keeping track of your eye health and proactively approaching treatment if needed.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

AMD does not stem from a single known cause there are various risk factors associated with the likelihood of developing this condition. Mentioned below are the common reasons:

• Ageing: The age factor is the biggest contributor, with most cases occurring among people over 50.
• Alcohol Consumption: Moderate to excessive alcohol consumption is linked to early AMD cases.
• Smoking: Studies have found that smokers are twice as likely to develop AMD as compared to non-smokers.
• Diet: Deficiency of key nutrients also affects eye health and makes individuals more prone to AMD.
• Genetics: Family history plays a role in determining susceptibility.

How is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?

AMD diagnosis involves a series of eye tests to evaluate retinal health and identify early symptoms of the damage. Here below are the methods that ophthalmologists may use for age-related macular degeneration diagnosis:

• Dilated eye exam
• Amsler grid test
• Optical coherence tomography
• Fundus photography
• Fluorescein angiography

Early diagnosis of AMD is crucial to prevent irreversible vision loss. Regular eye check-ups–especially for people over the age of 50—are the key to guarding against the damage.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment

While there is no dedicated way to cure age-related macular degeneration symptoms​, there are treatment methods that can slow its progression. Here are the macular degeneration treatment options:

• Anti-VEGF Injections: Drugs like aflibercept and ranibizumab are injected into the patient’s eye to block abnormal blood vessel growth.
• Photodynamic Therapy: Verteporfin (a lightweight drug) is injected into the bloodstream and activated with a laser to destroy abnormal blood vessels.
• Laser Therapy: High-energy laser beams are used to stop leakage from blood vessels.
• AREDS2 Supplements: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, lutein, zinc, and zeaxanthin are highly recommended in case of age-related eye diseases and treatment.
• Dietary and Lifestyle Changes: Antioxidant-rich foods, like fish and leafy greens, can help support retinal health.

The treatment options can also vary from patient to patient–and depends largely on the outcome of the eye diagnosis.

Importance of AMD Awareness Month

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month reminds everyone to look out for eye health and stay informed–and on guard—about eye diseases and treatment. The month encourages people to act proactively, opt for regular eye diagnosis, stick to healthy habits, and seek early treatment in case a symptom shows up.

Here are the easy-to-adopt ways to safeguard your vision:

• Schedule regular eye check-ups
• Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Follow a diet rich in leafy greens, antioxidants, and fish
• Wear sunglasses that provide UV and blue light protection
• Quit smoking

Final Note

Age-related macular degeneration is a serious condition that can leave an impact on one’s retinal well-being for a lifetime. The effects of this condition disrupt daily life, making it essential for you to watch over lifestyle choices. This also includes keeping a solid health insurance plan by your side so that the medical expenses do not pose a roadblock as you go out for screenings and treatments. Comprehensive health insurance plans by Care Health Insurance can help you save big time on soaring health-related expenses. So, while you choose a healthy diet to protect your vision, don’t forget to buy a health plan with eye coverage to save on out-of-pocket expenses.

>> Also Read: How Your Age affects the Health Insurance Premium?

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.