Age-related macular degeneration (also called AMD or AMRD) is a condition that affects the central vision of a person. It can cause significant loss of central vision and affect quality of life of the person.
Age, smoking, high blood pressure and a diet high in saturated fat are key risk factors for age related macular degeneration.
Symptoms of AMD
Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD or ARMD) frequently involves both eyes. Since the degeneration predominantly involves the central retina also called as macula, the disease can result in significant symptoms.
Early or less harming forms of disease result in blurring of vision for both distance and near. As the disease progresses towards stages of atrophy and scarring there can be severe loss of vision, necessitating visual aids.
In advanced stages, patients often complain of intense reading disability and compromise in speed of reading. Distortion of image is another frequent symptom of the disease, and if untreated, rarely the disease can result in near total blindness.
As ARMD is a disease related to ageing, presence of other ageing related diseases may alter the presenting complaints of the patient. Other commonly accompanying and visually depriving diseases include senile cataract and glaucoma.
Contributed by
Dr Brijesh Takkar
CRTP Fellow, IHOPE
Consultant Ophthalmologist, Vitreo Retinal Diseases
L V Prasad Eye Institute
Changed
07/Apr/2025
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