Reviewed By: Dr. Jonathan Brugger, MD
Imagine waking up one day and realizing the center of your vision is blurred—faces look hazy, reading becomes a struggle, and everyday tasks feel harder. This is how macular degeneration can impact your life and often creeping in silently until it starts affects your life. But here’s the good news: regular comprehensive eye exams can catch the early signs of AMD before your vision is lost.
Let’s break down what macular degeneration is, the warning signs to watch for, and why routine eye exams are the best defense for keeping your vision sharp.
What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration happens when the macula, the central part of your retina (the back inside lining of the eye that is responsible for catching light and sending those light signals to your brain via the optic nerve). The macula controls sharp, detailed vision, and when you have AMD, the cells of the macula responsible for catching the light (photoreceptors) start weakening and dying. Therefore, AMD makes it harder to read, drive, or see fine details. Macular degeneration impacts people over 55 years old—hence the designation “Age-Related.”,
There are two traditional designations of AMD:
- Dry AMD: This is the mainstay of macular degeneration where waste (Drusen) builds up under the retina gradually weakening photoreceptors until they die off resulting in progressive vision loss. When enough photoreceptors die, there is Geographic Atrophy, or a permanent blind spot, in the vision.
- Wet AMD: Also called Neovascular AMD (nAMD), is where waste buildup (Drusen) damages the barrier between retinal blood vessels and the retina allowing for abnormal blood vessel growth. These vessels rapidly damage the retina by leaking fluid and blood leading to faster vision loss.
Since early AMD might not cause noticeable symptoms, routine eye exams are key to detecting these Drusen and mitigating risk factors.
Early Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
At first, macular degeneration may not seem to impact your activities of daily living, but as it progresses, you could notice changes like:
- Blurry central vision-like.a smudge on your glasses that won’t go away
- Distorted straight lines looking wavy or bent
- Trouble reading or seeing details up close
- Needing brighter lights to see clearly
- Colors looking dull or faded
- A dark or empty spot in the middle of your vision
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an eye exam. Early detection can allow your provider to help slow down vision loss.
How Eye Exams Help Detect Age-Related Macular Degeneration
You might think of an eye exam as just reading letters off a chart (“better one or better two”), but there’s much more involved. During a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor uses advanced examination techniques and tests to check for early signs of AMD.
Here’s how they do it:
1. Dilated Eye Exam:
Special eye drops make your pupils bigger, so the doctor can better examine the back of your eye where the retina is located. This helps them spot any early Drusen or damage to the macula.
2. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT):
This high-tech imaging test uses Infrared Light to capture detailed images of the layers of your retina. Its sensitivity can detect even the earliest signs of Drusen, retinal thinning, or fluid buildup.
3. Amsler Grid Test:
You’ll be asked to look at a grid of straight lines (similar to graft paper) to check for any wavy or distorted areas in your central vision—one of the early signs of AMD.
4. Fundus Photography:
This takes high-resolution color photos of your retina, helping your doctor track changes over time. Special filters can be used to better detect early Geographic Atrophy or other changes to the macula.
5. Fluorescein Angiography (for Wet AMD):
A dye is injected into your bloodstream, and special photos are taken to see if there are any leaking blood vessels in your retina
These tests can detect signs of AMD before you notice any changes in your vision. Our vitreoretinal specialists Dr. Lowrey King, M.D., Dr. Jonathan Brugger, M.D., and Dr. Francisco Folgar, M.D., who specialize in diseases of the retina, play a key role in diagnosing and managing AMD. With years of experience in medical and surgical treatments for retinal conditions, they work closely with patients to slow the progression of AMD and preserve vision.
Who’s at Risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Some people are more likely to develop AMD than others. Here are the main risk factors:
- Age: AMD usually affects people over 55. In fact, about 11 million Americans have some form of AMD, and the risk increases with age (Source: BrightFocus Foundation).
- Family History: If AMD runs in your family, your chances of getting it are higher.
- Smoking: Smokers are two to four times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers (Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology).
- Metabolic Disease: High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can reduce blood flow to the eyes, increasing the risk of AMD.
If you have metabolic disease (high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol), a family history of AMD, or other risk factors, you may need annual eye exams for seniors. Ask your eye doctor what’s best for you. Regular check-ups with specialists like Dr. Paul M. Herring, MD, who focuses on comprehensive ophthalmology and diabetic eye care, ensure that any early warning signs don’t go unnoticed.
Frequency of Eye Exams
If you’re wondering, how often should you get your eyes checked? here are the general guidelines:
- Ages 40-54: Every 2-4 years
- Ages 55-64: Every 1-3 years
- Ages 65 and older: Every 1-2 years
If you have diabetes, a family history of AMD, or other risk factors, you may need annual eye exams. Ask your eye doctor what’s best for you.
Diabetic Eye Exams Help Detect Age-Related Macular Degeneration
So, how diabetic eye exams help detect macular degeneration? If you have diabetes, you’re at risk for both diabetic retinopathy and AMD. Regular diabetic retinopathy exams help your doctor spot any damage to your retina, which can also give clues about early AMD.
According to the CDC, about 29% of adults over age 40 have signs of diabetic retinopathy, so regular check-ups are essential for protecting your vision.
Can You Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent AMD, certain lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk or slow the progression if you already have it:
- Quit Smoking: Smokers have a much higher risk of AMD.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Leafy greens, fish rich in omega-3s, and foods high in antioxidants can support eye health.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity can increase the risk of AMD.
- Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Keeping these under control helps protect your eyes.
- Wear Sunglasses: UV rays can damage your retina, so always wear sunglasses with UV protection.
For people with intermediate AMD, the AREDS2 formula (a mix of vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin) has been shown to slow progression by about 25%.
Treatment Options for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
If you’ve already been diagnosed with AMD, your doctor may recommend treatments to slow its progression:
- Anti-VEGF Injections: These block abnormal blood vessel growth in wet AMD.
- Laser Therapy: Used in some cases to seal leaking blood vessels.
- Low Vision Aids: Magnifiers, special glasses, and other devices can help you make the most of your remaining vision.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
The importance of regular adult eye exams for age-related macular degeneration can’t be overstated. AMD doesn’t always cause symptoms in the early stages, but an eye exam can catch it before it affects your vision.
Carolina Eyecare Physicians offers senior eye care and comprehensive eye exams at 16 locations across South Carolina. Whether you’re due for your regular check-up or need a diabetic retinopathy treatment, scheduling an appointment could help protect your vision for years to come.
Don’t wait until you notice vision problems—early detection is the key to managing macular degeneration and keeping your eyes healthy.
Protect your vision with a comprehensive eye exam. Schedule your appointment today with our expert eye care team to understand more about age-related macular degeneration and adult eye care solutions. Schedule an Appointment for an expert consultation now.
