Macular Degeneration: What It Is, Who’s at Risk, and How We Protect Your Vision
Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over 50—and it often sneaks in without warning. At Wink Optical and Eye Care, we’re here to help you understand what this condition is, how to catch it early, and what your options are for protecting your sight.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a condition that affects the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision used for reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
Over time, the cells in the macula break down or become damaged, which can cause blurriness, distortion, or dark spots in the center of your vision. Peripheral (side) vision typically remains unaffected.
There are two main types of AMD:
Dry AMD: The most common form. It develops slowly as the macula thins and waste deposits called drusen build up.
Wet AMD: A less common but more serious form. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, causing faster and more severe vision loss.
Who’s at Risk for Macular Degeneration?
While macular degeneration isn’t preventable, understanding your risk can help you take steps to catch it early. You may be at higher risk if:
You are over age 50
You have a family history of AMD
You smoke or have smoked in the past
You have high blood pressure or heart disease
You eat a low-antioxidant, high-fat diet
You have light-colored eyes or significant sun exposure over time
Women and Caucasian individuals also tend to be at higher risk.
What Are the Symptoms?
In early stages, macular degeneration often has no symptoms. As it progresses, patients may notice:
Blurred or fuzzy central vision
Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted
A dark or empty spot in the center of vision
Difficulty reading, recognizing faces, or seeing fine details
Sudden or rapid changes in vision—especially distortion—may signal the onset of wet AMD and should be evaluated immediately.
How Do We Detect Macular Degeneration?
Routine eye exams are essential for detecting macular degeneration before vision loss becomes noticeable. At Wink Optical and Eye Care, your evaluation may include:
Dilated retinal exam – to view the macula and assess for drusen or pigment changes
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – a scan that shows cross-sections of the retina to detect thinning or swelling
Amsler grid testing – a simple tool to monitor distortion or blind spots at home or in-office
Retinal photography – to document and track changes over time
OCT-Angiography or fluorescein angiography – if we suspect wet AMD and need to evaluate blood vessel activity
How Is Macular Degeneration Treated?
For Dry AMD:
While there’s currently no cure, progression can often be slowed with a combination of supplements, healthy habits, and regular monitoring.
For patients with early signs of macular degeneration, we recommend MacuHealth, a clinically formulated supplement containing lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin to support macular health.
For patients with intermediate or more advanced stages (Stage 2 and beyond), we often recommend MacuHealth Plus+, which follows the AREDS2 formulation and includes added nutrients specifically studied for slowing AMD progression.
Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating leafy greens and omega-3-rich foods, managing blood pressure, and protecting your eyes from UV light also play a key role.
We’ll guide you in tracking your vision at home with tools like the Amsler grid and provide regular monitoring in-office.
We’ll help you determine which supplements and support strategies are most appropriate based on your specific stage and risk level.
For Wet AMD:
Wet AMD can lead to rapid vision loss but is treatable if caught early. Options include:
Injections into the eye: Medications are used to stop abnormal blood vessels from growing and leaking fluid
Frequent monitoring: Imaging and follow-ups to adjust treatment based on your response
Occasionally, laser therapy may be recommended in specific cases
New Hope for Dry Macular Degeneration: What’s Changing in Treatment
Until recently, treatment options for dry AMD—especially its advanced form, called geographic atrophy—were mostly limited to lifestyle changes and vitamin supplements. But now, new therapies are offering real hope for patients at risk of losing their central vision.
1. Light Therapy (Valeda® System)
A new, non-invasive treatment uses gentle red and near-infrared light to stimulate and protect the cells in your retina. Known as photobiomodulation, this in-office treatment doesn’t involve injections or surgery.
FDA-authorized for early to intermediate dry AMD
Painless and quick to perform
Studies show it may help maintain or even improve vision with regular sessions
2. New Injections for Advanced Dry AMD
For people with more advanced forms of dry AMD (geographic atrophy), new medications like Syfovre™ and Izervay™ are now available.
Delivered through eye injections
Designed to slow the progression of vision loss
The first treatments approved specifically for this stage of AMD
3. Promising Treatments in Development
Researchers are also working on eye drops that may offer future treatment options without injections. These are still in clinical trials, along with other exciting research in gene therapy and stem cell approaches.
Living with Advanced Macular Degeneration: Support and Low Vision Aids
If you or a loved one has already been diagnosed with advanced AMD, you're not alone—and there are still many tools and resources available to help you live independently and comfortably.
While central vision loss can make daily tasks more challenging, low vision rehabilitation can help maximize the vision you still have. With the right strategies and support, many people continue to read, cook, manage medications, and enjoy life.
Low vision support may include:
Magnifiers and reading aids (handheld or electronic)
High-contrast, large-print materials
Screen readers and text-to-speech devices for phones or computers
Adaptive lighting to improve visibility at home
Occupational therapy to relearn tasks using new techniques
Referrals to low vision specialists who provide personalized tools and training
Vision loss can be difficult, but you're not alone—and many resources are available to help you stay active and independent.
We're Here to Help
Macular degeneration doesn’t have to mean the end of your independence or quality of life. With early detection, expert care, and ongoing support, many people continue to lead active lives with stable vision for years to come.
At Wink Optical and Eye Care, we’ll walk with you every step of the way—whether you're at risk, newly diagnosed, or managing AMD over time.
Schedule your eye exam today to take the first step in protecting your sight.
References:
National Eye Institute (NEI)
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
AREDS2 Clinical Trials
MacuHealth product data
Clinical trials on Syfovre™, Izervay™, and Valeda Light Therapy
