What is age-related macular degeneration?
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative eye disease affecting the central part of the retina, leading to vision loss in the middle part of your field of vision. 

AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness in America and more than 8 million people in the United States have some form of this disease. The most common form, known as dry (non-neovascular) AMD, occurs when the macula thins with age and a buildup of protein called drusen clumps and grows. AMD usually affects people over 60 and may worsen at age 75.

Another form of the disease is known as wet (neovascular) AMD. Although not as common as dry AMD, it is more serious. Wet AMD occurs when new, abnormal blood cells grow beneath the retina, leak fluid, and cause the macula to scar. Vision loss is much faster with wet AMD. 

Are you at risk?
As the name suggests, AMD is age-related, however there are other factors that can contribute to its progression. Ask yourself the following:

• Are you 50 or older?
• Do you smoke?
• Do you have high blood pressure?
• Is your diet high in saturated fats?

What are the symptoms?
Patients with AMD lose their central vision. Side/peripheral vision remains normal, but the ability to see front and center is lost. 

What are the treatment options?
At Wellspire, we offer advanced diagnostic imaging and personalized plans to manage AMD. Treatment may include nutritional counseling, injections, or other innovative therapies to preserve vision by slowing down the progression of the disease.

Using an Amsler grid we can detect issues in your reading area of vision including early detection of the various forms of macular degeneration. Although the disease progresses slowly, the sooner it is caught, the better the odds of restoring full eyesight.

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