Risk, Detection and Prevention

Who is at risk for AMD?

AMD can occur during middle age. The risk increases with aging. Other risk factors include:

• Smoking.
• Obesity. Research studies suggest a link between obesity and the progression of early and intermediate stage AMD to advanced AMD.
• Race. Whites are much more likely to lose vision from AMD than African Americans.
• Family history. People with a family history of AMD are at higher risk of getting the disease.
• Gender. Women appear to be at greater risk than men.

Reducing the Risk of Developing AMD

• Eat a healthy diet high in green leafy vegetables and fish.
• Don't smoke.
• Maintain normal blood pressure.
• Watch your weight.
• Exercise.

How is AMD detected?

AMD is detected during a comprehensive eye exam that includes:

Visual acuity test. This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances.

Dilated eye exam. Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of AMD and other eye problems. After the exam, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours.

Tonometry. An instrument measures the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test.
Your eye care professional also may do other tests to learn more about the structure and health of your eye.

Amsler Grid. During an eye exam, you may be asked to look at an Amsler grid. The pattern of the grid resembles a checkerboard. You will cover one eye and stare at a black dot in the center of the grid. While staring at the dot, you may notice that the straight lines in the pattern appear wavy. You may notice that some of the lines are missing. These may be signs of AMD.

Fluorescein Angiogram. If your eye care professional believes you need treatment for wet AMD, he or she may suggest a fluorescein angiogram. In this test, a special dye is injected into your arm. Pictures are taken as the dye passes through the blood vessels in your retina. The test allows your eye care professional to identify any leaking blood vessels and recommend treatment.

Preventing Vision Loss

You can protect yourself against vision loss by working in partnership with your eye care professional. Ask questions and get the information you need to take care of yourself.

Next: Treatment for AMD

(Source: National Eye Institute)