What Are The Three Stages Of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that is more common in the elderly than in younger people. By age 85, more than 45% of people are affected by this condition. In College Park, GA, our optometrist at The Eye Doctor Unlimited offers diagnosis and treatment for macular degeneration. In addition to having three stages, there are two types of age-related macular degeneration: dry and wet. When it comes to treatment, there are differences between the two types.

Early-Stage AMD

In the early stages of age-related macular degeneration, there are no treatment options. Once diagnosed, your eye doctor will monitor your eyes on a regular basis. You can help manage the condition by eating healthy foods, quitting smoking, and getting plenty of exercise.

Intermediate-Stage AMD

In the intermediate stage of age-related macular degeneration, there are specific supplements that you can take to help prevent your condition from progressing to the late stage. The AREDs2 supplement contains antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamins C and E, and the minerals zinc and copper. There is also a version of the AREDs supplement that includes beta carotene; however, it is not recommended for those who smoke or have smoked in the past.

Late-Stage AMD

In the late stage of age-related macular degeneration, if only one eye is affected, taking the AREDs2 supplement may help slow the progression of AMD in the other eye. If you have dry late-stage AMD, there is currently no treatment available, though research is ongoing, and hope remains high that a solution will be found soon. For those with wet age-related macular degeneration, treatment options are available. Anti-VEGF drugs, which are injected into the eye, as well as photodynamic therapy (PDT), a combination of injections and laser treatment, are effective treatment options.

Not everyone with age-related macular degeneration will progress to the late stage and suffer significant vision loss. There are also low-vision devices that can help you see more clearly.

Contact An Optometrist Near You in College Park, GA

At The Eye Doctor Unlimited, we offer help with age-related macular degeneration at all three stages. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.