Importance of Early Diagnosis of AMD

AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 60.^1-4 Although there is currently no cure for neovascular AMD, it can be detected in its early stages, which is key to preserving vision. With appropriate treatment, vision loss can be slowed.

In the early stages of AMD, there are few or no symptoms. However, it can be detected early through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. For patients with AMD, vision loss may be incorrectly interpreted as the normal aging process or development of a cataract. Therefore, early diagnosis of AMD is key because once vision is lost, it often cannot be restored.⁵

References:

1. Ambati J, Ambati BK, Yoo SH, Ianchulev S, Adamis AP. Age-related macular degeneration: etiology, pathogenesis, and therapeutic strategies. Surv Ophthalmol. 2003;48:257-293.
2. Zarbin MA. Current concepts in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol. 2004;122:598-614.
3. Klein R, Wang Q, Klein BEK, Moss SE, Meuer SM. The relationship of age-related maculopathy, cataract, and glaucoma to visual acuity. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1995;36:182-191.
4. Leibowitz HM, Krueger DE, Maunder LR, et al. The Framingham Eye Study monograph: an ophthalmological and epidemiological study of cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and visual acuity in a general population of 2631 adults, 1973-1975. Surv Ophthalmol. 1980;24(suppl):458-471.
5. Bressler NM, Bressler SB, Fine SL. Age-related macular degeneration. Surv Ophthalmol. 1988;32:375-413.