AMD: Treatment And Awareness

By Dr. Swetangi Bhaleeya | Updated: September 30, 2026

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the part of the eye responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. While the condition can sound intimidating, understanding what AMD is, how it affects the retina, and how it develops can make a big difference in protecting your sight. In this article, we’ll walk through the key symptoms, risk factors, and available treatment options so you can better understand what to watch for and when to seek care.

what is Age-related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative eye condition that targets the macula, the critical area responsible for sharp central vision, and if left unchecked, can lead to severe central vision loss. As we delve into the intricacies of AMD, it is crucial to understand its symptoms, forms, risk factors, and available treatments.

How many types of macular degeneration are there?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has two main types: dry and wet. Dry AMD is the most common and usually develops slowly over time. Wet AMD is less common but more serious, and it can cause faster vision loss.

Dry Macular-Degeneration

Dry age-related macular degeneration is the more common of the two types of AMD. Dry AMD is often diagnosed when drusen and other characteristic changes are detected in the macula. Drusen are yellow deposits that can contribute to vision dimming or distortion. While it can progress to advanced stages, resulting in central vision loss, total blindness is less common.

Wet Macular-Degeneration

Conversely, wet age-related macular degeneration involves abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the macula, causing fluid leakage and severe vision distortion. This type of age-related macular degeneration often requires prompt treatment in order to help prevent severe vision loss.

Symptoms and Causes of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The early signs of macular degeneration often develop so gradually that people may not notice changes in their vision early on. As the condition progresses, symptoms can include blurry or reduced central vision, faded or dull colors, difficulty seeing fine detail, dark or empty spots in the center of vision, and distortion of straight lines. If you notice any of these vision changes, it is important to seek evaluation from an eye care professional, like the ophthalmologists at Thomas Eye Group in Atlanta.

What are the macular degeneration symptoms to watch for that might indicate you need an immediate eye care appointment?

Certain vision changes should be evaluated by an eye care professional as soon as possible, including:

A sudden or noticeable increase in blurry or distorted central vision.
Straight lines that appear wavy, bent, or missing.
A dark, gray, or empty spot in the center of your vision.
Rapid changes in your ability to read or recognize faces.
A sudden decrease in central vision in one or both eyes.

If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to schedule an eye exam as soon as possible. Early evaluation and treatment can make a significant difference in protecting remaining vision.

Are there any steps you can take to lower your risk of AMD?

It’s important to understand that not all cases of age-related macular degeneration can be prevented. However, if you are worried about developing AMD and want to reduce your risk, there are some things you can try that may help because they focus on supporting overall eye health.

The AMD Diet

If you’ve heard of the AMD diet, you should know that there is no specific diet or nutritional program to help prevent or slow down macular degeneration. However, research has suggested that a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids may support overall eye health. In some patients with intermediate or advanced AMD, eye care professionals may recommend AREDS2 vitamins, which have been shown to help slow progression in certain cases.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is one of the risk factors that may increase your risk of developing AMD, which is why regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are often recommended to help reduce the risk of developing the condition.

Take Steps to Protect Your Eyes

Eye care professionals often recommend protecting your eyes from excessive sunlight exposure by wearing sunglasses that block UV rays. In addition to helping reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration, sunglasses also help protect your eyes against long-term sun damage that may contribute to conditions such as pterygium, which is often referred to as surfer’s eye, photokeratitis, which is a sunburn of the cornea, and certain types of eyelid cancers.

Give Up Smoking

If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take to help reduce your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Smoking damages blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes, which can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching the retina. Smoking also increases inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which have been linked to faster progression of AMD. Over time, this damage can make the macula more vulnerable, increasing the likelihood of vision loss. Stopping smoking helps slow these harmful processes and supports overall long-term eye health.

Schedule Regular Comprehensive Eye Exams

Routine comprehensive eye exams are essential, especially as you age. Regular screenings allow eye care professionals to detect early signs of AMD, as well as other eye diseases and refractive errors, and begin monitoring or treatment before significant vision loss occurs.

Managing and Treating of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Atlanta

The good news is that there are treatments available for wet and dry age-related macular degeneration that can help slow the condition and protect remaining vision. In some cases, eye doctors may recommend eye injections for macular degeneration, such as Avastin or Lucentis, to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye. In addition, laser therapy may also be recommended in certain situations.

It’s important to note that these AMD treatments do not typically cure macular degeneration, but they can often slow vision loss and help preserve useful sight for as long as possible. Many patients require ongoing injections and regular monitoring, since AMD is a long-term condition that needs continuous care. Thomas Eye Group ophthalmologists can help identify any underlying causes of AMD and mitigate vision loss with timely treatments.

Let Us Help You Stay on Top of Your Vision Health

Thomas Eye Group wants to help you take care of your vision, and that means helping you recognize the signs of AMD so that you can get timely treatment. If you’ve noticed changes in your vision or are at risk for AMD, please contact us at 678-892-2020 to schedule an appointment with one of our retina specialists near you in Atlanta.

About Dr. Bhaleeya

Dr. Bhaleeya specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of retinal conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal tears and detachments, and other complex retinal disorders. She is committed to using the latest advances in retinal imaging, treatments, and surgical techniques to provide high-quality patient care.