Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Dr. Deepak Sambhara

February is Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) awareness month. #AMD is a condition that primarily affects older adults and results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field. The macula is the central part of the #retina, responsible for sharp and detailed vision. In AMD, the macula deteriorates over time, leading to various degrees of vision impairment. There are 2 main types of age-related macular degeneration: 💡Dry AMD: This is the more common form, accounting for about 80-90% of AMD cases. In dry AMD, the cells of the macula break down gradually, leading to the formation of small yellow deposits called drusen. As the condition progresses, the light-sensitive cells in the macula may become damaged, resulting in a gradual loss of central vision. 💡Wet AMD: Although less common, wet AMD is more severe and can cause rapid and severe vision loss. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina. These vessels can leak fluid and blood, damaging the macula and leading to scarring. Wet AMD often progresses more quickly than dry AMD and requires prompt medical attention. Regular eye exams👀 are crucial for detecting AMD so make sure to follow up with a #optometrist or #ophthalmologist as early intervention is key! Financial Disclosures: Apellis, Eclipse Life Sciences, Genentech, Iveric Bio, Regeneron