Fairfax Eye Associates – Fairfax & Reston, VA

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Macular Degeneration

Early detection and ongoing monitoring can help preserve the vision you rely on most.

Symptoms to watch for

When Your Central Vision Starts to Shift

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of vision loss in adults over 50. It affects the macula, the most sensitive part of the retina, which is responsible for the sharp central vision you rely on for reading, driving, and recognizing faces. While AMD does not cause complete blindness, it can make everyday activities increasingly difficult and significantly impact quality of life.

A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
Distorted or blurry vision
Dimmed or washed out colors
A dark or empty area in the center of your vision
Wavy lines where straight lines should be

Types of AMD

Understanding Dry and Wet AMD

AMD affects the macula, responsible for the sharp central vision you rely on for reading, driving, recognizing faces.

Dry AMD

The more common form, affecting about 90 percent of AMD patients. Dry AMD is a gradual process involving thinning of the retina, loss of retinal pigment, and the formation of small deposits called drusen. Vision loss is typically slower and less severe than with wet AMD.

Wet AMD

A more advanced and faster-moving form, affecting about 10 percent of AMD patients. Wet AMD involves leakage of blood and fluid under the macula, or the growth of abnormal blood vessels in that area. Patients who develop wet AMD typically have had the intermediate stage of dry AMD first.

Who is at risk

Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration

AMD typically occurs in people age 50 and older. Known risk factors include:

Age and genetics
Smoking
High blood pressure
Elevated cholesterol
Poor diet
Exposure to sunlight

early detection

Protecting Vision Through Early Detection and Treatment

Although there is currently no cure for age-related macular degeneration, early detection and treatment can help slow progression and preserve vision. For dry AMD, treatment often focuses on regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and nutritional support. If wet AMD develops, prompt referral to a retina specialist allows patients to receive advanced therapies that may help protect sight.

To evaluate the health of the retina and monitor for signs of AMD, Dr. Manguikian may perform:

✓ Visual acuity test
✓ Dilated eye exam
✓ Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
✓ Fluorescein angiogram
✓ Test for central vision loss

The speed at which AMD progresses varies significantly from patient to patient. In some it moves slowly with imperceptible changes; in others it advances quickly. Regular eye exams are the only reliable way to catch it early, when the most treatment options are available.