Changes to your eyesight are normal with age. You may be less able to see up close without reading glasses. It may take your eyes longer to adjust to changing light levels. These problems can usually be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or improved lighting. But some changes can be a sign of disease.
A condition called age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults in the U.S. It’s caused by light-sensing tissue in the back of your eye, or retina, deteriorating. The deterioration happens in the center of the retina, called the macula. In advanced stages, AMD can make it hard to see things clearly when you look straight ahead. You may not be able to recognize faces, read, drive, or do certain household tasks independently.
You’re more likely to have AMD at age 55 and older. Smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure increase your risk for AMD. So does having a family history of the disease.
There are two types of AMD. Dry AMD, also called atrophic AMD, is more common. This condition progresses through several stages. Early AMD has no symptoms. In intermediate AMD, you might notice mild blurriness or have trouble seeing in low light. Late AMD usually causes a blurry area or blank spots in or near the center of your vision. Colors may appear faded.
The other type is called neovascular, or wet, AMD. It can cause fast vision loss if not treated promptly. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye. These can bleed and leak fluid that damages the macula. A telltale sign is when straight lines appear wavy or crooked. Dry AMD can also turn into wet AMD.
It can take years for AMD to progress. When you detect it early, you can take steps to delay its progress.
An eye doctor can detect AMD using a dilated eye exam. In the exam, they dilate (or widen) your pupils using special eye drops. This allows them to see inside your eyes. They may also take pictures of the inside of your eye using a technique called optical coherence tomography.
If you are diagnosed with AMD, there are several things you can do to slow its progression. “For those early and intermediate stages, it’s all about a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Tiarnán Keenan, an ophthalmologist at NIH. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough physical activity, and not smoking. A healthy lifestyle may also lower your chances of getting AMD in the first place.
Lower Your Risk of AMD
• Eat a healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables (especially dark leafy greens like spinach or kale) and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon or tuna).
• Get regular physical activity. Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.
• Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Don’t smoke, or quit if you do. Get free help to quit smoking at smokefree.gov, 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), or by texting QUIT to 47848.
• Get regular eye exams. Your eye doctor can tell you how often you need an exam based on your age and other risk factors.
Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.
