Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar

(651) 463-2020

Request Appointment
Community Content
Menu
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Insurance & Payments
  • About Us
    • Meet The Staff
    • Innovations in Eye Care
    • Community Involvement
    • Testimonials
      • Read Our Reviews
  • Eyecare Services
    • Primary Eye Care
    • Eye & Vision Exams
    • Contact Lens Exams
    • Computer Vision Treatment
    • Computer Glasses
    • Infant and Pediatric Eye Care
    • Eye Diseases
      • Dry Eye
      • Dry Eye FAQs
      • Red Eye
      • Glaucoma
    • Emergency Eye Care
    • Post Operative Eye Care
    • Swim Goggles
  • Products
    • Eyewear
      • Frame Collections
      • Frames
    • Contact Lens Services
      • Hard To Fit Contacts
    • Sunglasses
  • Conditions Treated
    • Eye Allergies
    • Pink Eye
    • Red Eye
    • Foreign body removal
    • Dry Eye
    • Glaucoma
    • Flashes/Floaters
    • Cataract and LASIK post-op
  • Contact Us
    • Questions/Feedback
  • Community Content
  • FVC Events
  • Blog
FAMILY VISION CLINIC LOGO
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • We Can Help With >
  • Retinal Disorders >
  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

  • Created in We Can Help With, Retinal Disorders
woman covering right eye while looking at object

One of the leading causes of vision loss in people who are age 50 or older is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This common eye condition leads to damage of a small spot near the center of the retina called the macula. The macula provides us with the ability to clearly see objects that are straight ahead.

AMD may progress very slowly, with vision loss taking a long time to occur. In some people, though, the disease may advance more quickly. It can affect one or both eyes. Some treatment options are available for later stages of AMD.

Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

One of the first symptoms of AMD is a blurry area in the center of your field of vision. Over time, this blurred region may increase in size. You may also develop blank spots near the center of your vision. In addition, objects may not be as bright as they once were.

AMD does not lead to complete loss of vision. However, the central vision that is affected by AMD is needed for many everyday activities, such as being able to read, write, recognize faces of other people, drive a car, cook or fix things around the house.

Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

One of the main risk factors for AMD is being over 60 years old; although, this condition can happen in younger people. Other risk factors for AMD include:

  • Smoking. Smoking tobacco can double your risk of suffering from AMD.
  • Race. Caucasians are more at risk of AMD than Hispanics/Latinos or African-Americans.
  • Family history. If someone else in your family had AMD, you are at greater risk of developing it.
  • Genetics. Almost 20 genes have been linked to an increased risk of AMD.

Certain healthy lifestyle choices may slow the progression of AMD or reduce your risk of developing it, including:

  • Not smoking
  • Eating a well-rounded diet that includes a lot of fish and green, leafy vegetables
  • Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol at normal levels
  • Doing regular physical activity

Treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

There is no treatment for AMD during the early stages. Many people have no symptoms at this point. If you have early AMD, your eye doctor may suggest a yearly — or more frequent— eye exam to see if your disease is getting worse.

For intermediate- and late-stage AMD, some research has found that high doses of certain vitamins and minerals may slow the advance of this disease. This includes vitamins C and E, zinc, copper and beta-carotene (and perhaps lutein and zeaxanthin).

These will not help you if you have early-stage AMD. They may, though, slow vision loss in the later stages. To find out if nutritional supplements are right for you, check with your ophthalmologist.

  • Eyeglasses
  • Basic Visual Skills
  • All About Eyes
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Pediatric Vision Issues
  • Glasses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Eye Lids
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Cognitive and Acquired
    • Age-Related
    • Changes in Appearance
    • Vision Impairment
  • Vision Problems
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Eye Symptoms
  • Eye Diseases
  • A Child's Vision
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Medical Perspectives
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Kid's Vision
    • Contacts
    • Glasses & Frames

Location

Find us on the map

Hours Of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Contact Us

Contact Us

We Look Forwards To Hearing From You.

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • ACA Notices
  • Site Map