Dr. Matthew Manry, M.D.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an acquired disease of the retina that can cause significant visual impairment. The risk for AMD increases more than three-fold in patients older than 75 years of age compared to individuals between 65-74 years of age.
Symptoms that patients may note include slow or sudden onset of decreased visual acuity, distorted vision, or missing vision (a “blind spot”) when trying to look at something in the center of your field of view. Many patients in the early stages of the disease however possess no symptoms.
Antioxidant vitamins and minerals (AREDS2 multivitamins) are an effective treatment for dry AMD that has been diagnosed by your eye doctor. Smoking is a large risk factor for macular degeneration, especially wet macular degeneration.
If you or someone you know is concerned about possible AMD, I encourage you to make an appointment with your local eye doctor.