The aging eye: Age related Macular Degeneration I; Early AMD
This is a 3 part series on my pet topic, Age related Macular degeneration (AMD). Here I will introduce the condition, which is far more common than many believe, and explain some of the measures and treatments we can take to slow this potentially blinding condition down.
Part 1: Early AMD – What You Need to Know
AMD (Age-related macular degeneration) is a leading cause of vision loss, and catching it early can make a huge difference. Early AMD shows up as small yellow deposits (drusen) under the retina, and while your vision might still seem fine, it increases the risk of worsening over time.
What Causes It and How Can You Prevent It?
Risk factors include age, genetics, smoking, and diet. Regular eye check-ups and OCT imaging can help catch it early. Lifestyle changes, like eating leafy greens, omega-3s, and antioxidants, can help slow it down. The AREDS2 study even found that certain vitamins may reduce the risk of progression for people with intermediate AMD.
How Do You Keep Track of It?
Regular eye exams are key. You can also use tools like an Amsler grid or vision tracking apps to spot early changes at home. The sooner you notice a shift, the better your chances of keeping your vision stable. As part of efforts to monitor AMD, we had previously partnered with alleye, revolutionary app that helps detect, track and monitor AMD and its associated complications. You can read about its live deployment here in a paper published in Ophthalmology Retina.
Next Up: In Part 2, we’ll talk about Late AMD – What Happens When It Gets Worse and What You Can Do About It.
