Age-Related

Macular Degeneration

Sabrina Carter
&
Kori Eakin
Basic Description
 A progressive, adventitious disease associated
with aging (50 years of age or older) that gradually
destroys sharp , central vision.
 Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
 Two forms
 Wet-blood vessels behind the retina start to grow
under the macula, often leaking blood and fluid. This
raises the macula from its normal place. Early
symptom of wet AMD is that straight lines appear wavy.
 Dry-light sensitive cells in the macula slowly break
down blurring central vision. One of the most common
signs of dry AMD is drusen. Drusen are yellow
deposits under the retina. This leads to blurred central
vision.
A little more about dry AMD
 Three stages of dry AMD
 Early
 Small drusen and no symptom or vision loss.
 Intermediate
 Many medium size drusen or large drusen and
many see a blurred spot in their central vision.
 Advanced
 A breakdown of light sensitive cells and
supporting tissue in the central retinal area. Over
time central vision is lost.
A visual of wet and dry AMD
What parts of the Visual System are
affected?

 Macula
 The macula is located at the center of the retina.
 It is responsible for central vision needed to see
details, color, and bright light.
What are the effects on the condition
of the Visual System?

Normal Vision Picture as seen by

someone who has AMD.

Loss of ability to see objects clearly.

Straight line appear to be wavy or distorted.
Loss of color vision.
Dark areas of gray and white spots may appear in the center
of vision (central scotomas).
Amsler Grid
 A set of straight lines
with a reference dot in
the center.
 Someone with AMD
may see some of the
lines as wavy or
blurred; with some dark
areas at the center.
Treatments of AMD
 NO outright cure AMD
 Treatments delay its progression and sometimes improves
vision.
 Nutritional intervention for dry AMD may prevent
progression.
 Taking specific doses of antioxidants and zinc reduces the risk
of advanced AMD.
 For wet AMD some treatments are aimed at stopping
abnormal blood vessel growth.
 Laser surgery
 Photodynamic therapy
 An activated drug injection destroys new blood vessels and leads
to slower rate of vision decline.
 Injections in the eye of FDA approved drugs
 Lucentis
 Macugen
 Visudyne
Accommodations and Modifications
for daily living.
 Large print
 Low vision devices
 Telescopes

 Magnifier

 Audio books, computer technology

 Adjustment to lighting in the home, work, and/or
community
 Personalized organization techniques
 Orientation Mobility training
 Develop healthy relationships with a good support
system
References
 Age-Related Macular Degeneration. (2008). Retrieved July 9,
2008, from National Eye Institute Website:
http://nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/amd_facts.asp
 Macular Degeneration. (2008). Retrieved July 14, 2008,
from Foundation Fighting Blindness Website:
http://www.blindness.org/content.asp?id=46&print=1

 Macular Degeneration. (2008). Retrieved July 9, 2008,

from Wikipedia Website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macular_degeneration

 Macular Degeneration. (2007). Retrieved July 9, 2008, from St.

Lukes Eye Cataract and Laser Institute Website:
http://www.stlukeseye.com/Conditions/MacularDegeneration.asp

 Mogk, L., & Mogk, M. (2003). Macular Degeneration. New York:

Random House Inc.