February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month: What You Need to Know

February is Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, a time to reflect on this sight-threatening condition and the steps we can take to protect our vision. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease influenced by a combination of aging, genetics, and environmental risk factors. The most significant modifiable risks are smoking and diet, with genetic variations increasing susceptibility (1).

As we recognize Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) this February, it’s important to understand the impact this condition has on eye health. AMD is a leading cause of blindness in industrialized countries and is projected to affect nearly 288 million people worldwide by 2040 (2).

Dry vs. Wet AMD: What’s the Difference?

AMD progresses through several stages, from early to late. Early AMD is marked by medium-sized drusen, and intermediate AMD by large drusen. As these drusen accumulate, the risk of developing late-stage AMD increases, with geographic atrophy (GA, or dry AMD) or neovascular (wet) AMD emerging as the most severe forms (1).

Dry AMD (Geographic Atrophy - GA): This form involves the gradual atrophy of photoreceptors and the retina's underlying layers, causing central vision loss as seen in figure 2. Over time, atrophy expands, further deteriorating visual acuity (1).

Wet AMD (Neovascular AMD): Wet AMD is characterized by abnormal blood vessels growing beneath the retina, leading to leakage, fluid buildup, and sometimes bleeding as seen in figure 1. This causes rapid vision distortion and deterioration. Without treatment, it can result in severe vision loss (1).

Treatment Advances and Challenges

In recent years, anti-VEGF injections, which target abnormal blood vessel growth, have revolutionized treatment for wet AMD. Since the approval of these therapies in 2006, many patients have experienced improved outcomes and less visual impairment. However, not everyone responds to these treatments in the same way, and they do not prevent atrophy, which can still cause vision loss in the long term (1, 3).

Research suggests that early prevention through diet and supplements may play a key role in slowing its progression. While studies such as AREDS-1 and AREDS-2 have shown that nutritional supplements can help prevent the progression of AMD in those already affected, the question of whether these measures can prevent the onset of the disease remains less clear (1, 3).

Unfortunately, no effective treatments have been found yet to prevent or delay the progression of dry AMD. Current clinical trials have not met the primary endpoints needed to make significant strides in managing atrophy. As AMD is a complex disease, it’s clear that a single treatment won’t work for all patients. Future therapeutic approaches need to target specific stages or phenotypes of the disease for greater effectiveness (1, 3).

The Future of AMD Research

While anti-VEGF therapies have provided relief for many patients with wet AMD, there is still much to learn about the underlying mechanisms of the disease and the most effective ways to treat it. The need for innovative treatments to prevent both dry and wet AMD from progressing is critical. Research is actively ongoing to explore new ways to prevent vision loss and enhance the quality of life for those affected.

Take Action This Macular Degeneration Awareness Month

During Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, it’s important to raise awareness about AMD and its impact on vision. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection, especially for those with a family history of the condition. By maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and seeking timely treatment, we can manage the risk factors and help protect our vision.

At Innovative Eye Care, we offer comprehensive eye exams, advanced imaging technology, and personalized care to help detect and manage AMD. If you are experiencing changes in your vision, particularly difficulty reading or seeing fine details, we encourage you to get checked for AMD. Early intervention can significantly impact the progression of the disease.

References

1. Fleckenstein M, Keenan TDL, Guymer RH, Chakravarthy U, Schmitz-Valckenberg S, Klaver CC, et al. Age-related macular degeneration. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2021;7(1):31.
2. Keenan TDL, Cukras CA, Chew EY. Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Epidemiology and Clinical Aspects. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021;1256:1-31.
3. Di Carlo E, Augustin AJ. Prevention of the Onset of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Clin Med. 2021;10(15).