Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a visual problem wherein the central part of our vision
appears blurry. This concern occurs when aging effects and causes damages to the macula. The macula
is the part of our eye whose purpose is to control sharp and straight-ahead vision. It is a part of the retina.
The retina is light-sensitive and is a thin layer of tissue located at the back of the eye on the inside just
near the optic nerve. The lens is the part of the eye that focuses light and then this light is being received
by the retina. The retina then receives the light and converts it into neural signals. The brain interprets
these signals for recognition.

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss among older adults. And it is quite a common visual condition.
AMD may not cause complete blindness but losing central vision will still be a struggle. It makes us harder
to see faces, to read, drive, cook, and do any other daily tasks. It can negatively affect our day-to-day
living. AMD may either progress slowly or quickly in some people. It is very important to have regular eye
exams and consult eye professionals because early AMD may also occur.

There are two types and stages of AMD. First is the Dry AMD which occurs to most people with AMD. It is
scientifically called Atrophic AMD. This occurs when the macula becomes thinner with age. Dry AMD
occurs in 3 stages. Early AMD and intermediate AMD, the first two stages, usually progress slowly over
many years. However, for the last stage which is late dry AMD, there is no treatment but there are ways to
manage the remaining vision. If only one eye has been affected with late dry AMD, Accent Eye Care can
help you protect your other eye.