Macular degeneration affects many Indians. It generally occurs in people aged above 50. But living a healthy life can help slow down the progression. Additionally, regular eye checkups can help detect the condition early. And it’s important to know that the disease can be managed but not cured.
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss across the globe. As per a study conducted by Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, the prevalence rate of AMD in India is 4.7% in North India.
If you experience changes in your vision or loss of vision, you should get your eyes examined by a good eye specialist. People aged above 50 should ideally get a comprehensive examination of their eyes every year.
What is Macular Degeneration or Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
Macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that damages the macula – central part of the retina – responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. It means that individuals suffering from AMD may struggle to see things directly in front of them, although they usually retain peripheral (side) vision.
It occurs when there is an accumulation of drusen – a deposit of lipids and proteins – under the retina. That causes the retina to swell. With this, the retina starts bending, leading to distorted or blurred central vision.
When the problem reaches an advanced stage, abnormal blood vessels may grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, leading to sudden and severe vision loss. AMD can affect one or both eyes, often with varying severity.
Who is at Risk?
As the name ‘age-related macular degeneration’ (AMD) suggests, macular degeneration is more likely to occur as the age advances and crosses 40. However, it can also occur at younger ages because of some other factors:
- Family history of AMD
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Hypertension (High blood pressure)
- High consumption of saturated fats
What is the Difference Between Dry and Wet Macular Degeneration?
AMD is of two types – Dry AMD & Wet AMD. Dry form of macular degeneration is more common with 90% of people having this form. In some cases, it can later progress into wet AMD.
In dry AMD, drusen accumulates under the retina. When ophthalmologists check the eye, they spot these small yellow deposits or drusen on the retina. With the help of different scans, tests, and photos, eye doctors can analyse the layers of the retina. This further enables them to grade the progression of the disease.
In wet AMD, the most advanced form, the formation of abnormal blood vessels can lead to severe loss of vision because leakage from these blood vessels enters the eye.
What are the Stages of Macular Degeneration?
Dry macular degeneration has three stages. There are generally no visible symptoms in the early stages. However, your ophthalmologist can notice signs while conducting an eye exam.
| Stage | Signs |
| Early | There are changes in your macula, but vision does not get affected. |
| Intermediate | Your vision may turn wavy or blurry. |
| Late (advanced) | There is a complete loss of central vision. |
Wet AMD is already at an advanced stage.
What are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
Loss of central vision is often an early sign. It could make reading hard as words may go missing in the middle. Even while driving, patients may notice that their central vision is grey or obscure.
At an advanced stage, straight lines may seem bent or distorted. It happens due to a more abrupt and severe loss of central vision.
Many people with AMD do not have signs until the disease progresses. So, watch out if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Difficulty seeing in low light.
- Blurry vision.
- Change or problem in the way you see colours.
- Diminished vision.
- Straight lines seem to be curving or wavy.
- Blank or dark spots in your field of vision.
It is worth mentioning here that sometimes, people continue to experience mild loss of central vision for years without any significant vision loss.
However, if the disease progresses from its dry to wet form, there will be a rapid and huge change in vision, which could even result in blindness.
When to See Your Eye Doctor?
Once you cross the age of 40 or fall in the risk category, it is good to have regular eye examinations.
According to the American Optometric Association, everybody should follow a regular eye check-up routine according to their age and risk. Let’s have a look:
| Age | Low risk category | At risk |
| Birth through 2 | Between 6 to 12 months of age | Between 6 to 12 months of age or as recommended |
| 3 through 5 | At least once between 3 – 5 years of age | At least once between 3 – 5 years of age or as recommended |
| 6 through 17 | Before class first and annually afterwards | Before class first and annually, or as recommended |
| 18 through 39 | At least once every two years | At least once a year, or as recommended |
| 40 through 64 | At least once every two years | At least once a year, or as recommended |
| 65 and older | Once a year | At least once a year, or as recommended |
However, if you haven’t been doing so, and experience any of the AMD symptoms mentioned above, you must not delay, and immediately book an appointment with a reputed eye specialist.
One name that stands out for offering exceptional eye care is Sohana Eye Hospital. Established in 1995, the hospital has expert ophthalmologists including the best retina specialist in Chandigarh, most advanced eye technologies, and world-class infrastructure – to make sure that patients always get the best services for all their eye care needs.
