Macular Degeneration

What is AMD?

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of significant visual acuity loss in people over age 50. It is a deterioration of the retina and choroid that can lead to a substantial loss of central vision.

With AMD you can still see things using your peripheral (side) vision. While there is no cure for AMD, the team at Minnesota Retina Associates has treatment options aimed at preserving, and even recovering, vision.

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the most common form of AMD, making up about 80% of all AMD cases. Dry AMD occurs when the macula gets thinner with age, allowing tiny clumps of protein to grow on the macula. There is currently no way to treat dry AMD, but specific vitamins and minerals can help slow the progression of the disease.

COMING SOON! FDA approval is expected on a dry AMD treatment in 2023.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is both less common and more serious than dry AMD. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, and bleed or leak resulting in a decrease in central vision or distortion in the vision. Wet AMD cannot be cured, but its progression may be blocked with the use of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. These injections may preserve, and even recover, vision.

What are the symptoms of AMD?

• Blurred or fuzzy vision
• Dark or empty areas in the center of your vision
• Vision distortion where straight lines appear wavy
• Seeing spots

What are the risk factors for AMD?

• Over 50 years of age
• Smoking cigarettes
• Being overweight
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heart disease
• A family history of AMD

How is Macular Degeneration Managed?

Patients with very early AMD symptoms should schedule regular eye exams to ensure proper management of their AMD. Many cases of AMD do not progress to severe vision loss with proper management. Minnesota Retina Associates can help manage your AMD to protect your vision.

Management for Wet AMD at Minnesota Retina Associates include:

• Regular vision monitoring – some patients may need to schedule visits every 3-6 months depending on severity of the disease.
• Intra-vitreal injections – The injection of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) medications into the vitreous cavity (retina location) can be a highly effective treatment for advanced macular degeneration. These injections are done in our Golden Valley Bloomington and Hutchinson offices. Most patients require a series of injections, so they require periodic monitoring to evaluate when additional treatments with the anti-VEGF agents are needed.
• We look forward to offering our patients a soon-to-be FDA approved treatment for dry macular degeneration in 2023.