Macular Degeneration

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula — the small, central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The macula is what allows you to read, drive, recognize faces, and see fine detail. When it deteriorates, these everyday tasks become increasingly difficult.

AMD comes in two forms: dry AMD, the more common type, progresses slowly as light-sensitive cells in the macula thin and break down; and wet AMD, a more severe form where abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid, causing rapid central vision loss. AMD is the leading cause of significant vision loss in adults over 50 in the United States.

Warning Signs to Watch For

AMD often develops gradually, and early changes may be subtle enough to go unnoticed without a dilated eye exam. Knowing what to watch for can prompt you to seek evaluation sooner — which is critical, because earlier intervention leads to better outcomes.

Blurry or distorted central vision, especially when reading
Difficulty recognizing faces or reading fine print
Straight lines appearing wavy or bent
Dark, blurry, or blank spots in the center of your vision
Colors appearing less vivid or washed out

Diagnosis and Monitoring

Accurate diagnosis of AMD requires more than a standard vision check. Dr. White uses a comprehensive set of tools to assess the health of your macula and retina, establish a baseline, and monitor for any progression over time.

Comprehensive dilated eye exam to visualize the retina and macula
Amsler grid testing to detect distortion in central vision
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) for cross-sectional retinal imaging
Fluorescein angiography to map blood vessel abnormalities in wet AMD

What to Expect

Thorough Evaluation

A full retinal and macular assessment establishes your baseline and identifies the type and stage of AMD present.

Treatment Options

From AREDS2 nutritional supplements for dry AMD to anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD, treatment is matched to your specific diagnosis.

Lifestyle Guidance

Dietary advice, UV protection, smoking cessation counseling, and low vision resources help you maintain quality of life alongside medical treatment.

Macular Degeneration FAQs

Dry AMD is the more common form and progresses slowly as the macula gradually thins. Wet AMD, while less common, is more severe — it involves abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina that can leak and cause rapid, significant central vision loss. Wet AMD requires more urgent and active treatment.

AMD cannot be reversed — vision that is lost cannot be restored. However, treatment can slow or halt progression significantly. For wet AMD, anti-VEGF injections have been shown to stabilize or even improve vision in some patients when started early. The goal is always to preserve as much vision as possible.

Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections block the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina. Medications such as Lucentis, Eylea, and Avastin are injected into the eye in a brief office procedure and have become the standard of care for wet AMD, often preventing further vision loss and sometimes improving it.

Yes — for intermediate or advanced dry AMD in one eye, clinical studies have shown that the AREDS2 supplement formula (containing vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper) can reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD by about 25%. Your doctor will advise whether AREDS2 supplements are appropriate for your stage of disease.

The rate of progression varies widely. Dry AMD typically progresses slowly over years, while wet AMD can cause significant vision loss within days or weeks if untreated. Regular monitoring appointments allow us to detect any acceleration early and adjust treatment accordingly.

Take Action to Preserve Your Vision

Regular monitoring is key. Book your macular health evaluation with Dr. White today.

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