“I visited Atlantic Retina Center for macular degeneration. Dr. Schwartz and staff were professional and skilled, with excellent equipment and care. Highly recommend their services.”
Managing Life with Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Risk Factors for AMD
Several factors influence a person's risk of developing AMD. Some of these you cannot change, but others are within your control, and managing them can make a meaningful difference.
Age is the single strongest risk factor for AMD. The older you are, the greater your likelihood of developing the disease. AMD is uncommon before age 55, but risk rises steadily after that, with a significant portion of adults over 75 showing some form of the condition.
Cigarette smoking is the most significant modifiable risk factor for AMD. Smokers face roughly double the risk of developing the disease compared to non-smokers. Several other lifestyle factors also contribute to risk.
- A diet high in saturated fats and low in fruits and vegetables
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease
- High cholesterol levels
- Being overweight, particularly excess weight around the abdomen
Addressing these factors through lifestyle changes can support your overall eye health and may help slow AMD progression.
Genetics plays a powerful role in AMD risk. People with a parent or sibling who has had AMD face a significantly higher likelihood of developing it themselves. Certain genetic variants are strongly associated with the disease.
You cannot change your genes, but knowing your family history is valuable. It allows your Retina Specialist to tailor a monitoring plan that fits your personal risk level, so that any changes can be detected and addressed early.
Signs and Symptoms of AMD
AMD can progress quietly in its early stages, making awareness of both subtle and more obvious symptoms essential. Knowing what to look for helps you seek care at the right time.
In the early stages, AMD may produce no noticeable symptoms at all. This is one of the key reasons routine eye exams matter even when your vision feels fine. As the disease progresses slightly, you might notice that colors seem slightly less vivid or that fine detail is a bit harder to make out in certain lighting.
As AMD advances, symptoms become harder to ignore. You may notice blurry or dark areas in the center of your visual field. Straight lines, such as door frames, text, or window blinds, may appear bent or wavy. These distortions are a hallmark symptom of AMD affecting the macula.
Certain changes in vision require urgent evaluation rather than a routine appointment. Do not wait if you experience any of the following.
- A sudden increase in blurriness or dark spots in central vision
- Straight lines that suddenly appear wavy or distorted
- A new dark or blank area in the center of your vision
- A rapid decrease in your ability to see fine detail or color
These changes can signal the sudden onset or rapid worsening of wet AMD. Prompt treatment within days can make a significant difference in how much vision can be preserved.
Diagnosing AMD
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective AMD management. Our Retina Specialists use a combination of clinical examination and advanced imaging tools to assess your macula with precision.
A dilated eye exam is the starting point for detecting AMD. Drops are placed in the eyes to widen the pupils, allowing the Retina Specialist to examine the retina and macula for drusen, pigment changes, or signs of abnormal blood vessel growth. This exam remains the cornerstone of AMD detection and ongoing care.
Optical coherence tomography, or OCT, is a non-invasive imaging test that creates highly detailed cross-sectional pictures of the retina. OCT can reveal fluid beneath or within the retina, areas of macular thinning, and the extent of geographic atrophy. Our team uses OCT at virtually every visit to track changes over time and guide treatment decisions.
Fluorescein angiography involves injecting a special dye into a vein in the arm. As the dye circulates through the retinal blood vessels, a camera captures images that highlight leakage or abnormal vessel growth. This test is especially useful for confirming wet AMD and planning treatment. We also offer indocyanine green angiography and wide-field imaging for a more complete picture of retinal health when needed.
An Amsler grid is a simple chart with a grid of straight lines and a central dot. Your Retina Specialist may ask you to check this grid at home regularly, covering one eye at a time. If any lines appear wavy, broken, blurry, or missing, this can signal a change in your macula that warrants a prompt call to our office.
Treatment Options for Wet AMD
Wet AMD has effective treatment options that, when started early, can stabilize or even improve vision in many patients. Our Retina Specialists will recommend the approach best suited to your individual case.
Intravitreal injection therapy using anti-VEGF agents is the standard of care for wet AMD. Anti-VEGF medications work by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor, the protein that drives abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. These medications are injected directly into the eye during a brief in-office procedure.
Several anti-VEGF medications are used in the treatment of wet AMD, and your Retina Specialist will select the one most appropriate for you.
- Avastin (bevacizumab), used off-label and given approximately every four to six weeks
- Lucentis (ranibizumab), typically given every four weeks
- Eylea (aflibercept), often given every four to eight weeks after initial loading doses
- Vabysmo (faricimab), a bispecific antibody targeting both VEGF and angiopoietin-2, given every four to sixteen weeks depending on response
Most patients experience disease stabilization, and some see meaningful improvement in vision, particularly when treatment begins early.
Laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy were once the primary approaches for certain forms of wet AMD. Anti-VEGF injections have largely replaced these treatments for most patients. However, they may still have a role in specific situations as determined by your Retina Specialist.
Treatment Options for Dry AMD
While dry AMD does not currently have a treatment that reverses vision loss, there are meaningful options for slowing progression, particularly in its more advanced stages. Our team will help determine what is appropriate for your situation.
Geographic atrophy is the advanced form of dry AMD, involving the gradual loss of retinal cells in the macula. Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) is an FDA-approved complement inhibitor therapy administered as an injection into the eye. This treatment has been shown to slow the growth rate of geographic atrophy lesions, though it does not restore vision that has already been lost.
A long-term steroid implant called Iluvien may also be considered in certain inflammatory contexts involving the retina. Your Retina Specialist will discuss which treatment approach, if any, is appropriate based on your imaging findings and disease stage.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2, known as AREDS2, identified a specific combination of antioxidant vitamins and minerals that can reduce the risk of intermediate AMD progressing to advanced AMD. A Retina Specialist may recommend an AREDS2-formulated supplement for patients with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye.
These supplements have not been shown to benefit patients with early AMD or those without signs of the disease. At Atlantic Retina Center, we carry our own line of macular health supplements, including Focus Select, an AREDS2 formula, and Focus MaculaPro, an AREDS formula, so you can access trusted options directly through our practice. Always speak with your Retina Specialist before starting any supplement.
What to Expect During Treatment and Monitoring
Knowing what happens at your appointments takes away some of the uncertainty that comes with managing AMD. Here is what the process generally looks like for both wet and dry AMD.
Treatment for wet AMD typically begins with a series of monthly anti-VEGF injections called loading doses. Before each injection, the eye is numbed with anesthetic drops and cleaned with an antiseptic solution. The injection itself takes only a few seconds. You may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort, but the procedure is well tolerated by most patients.
After the loading phase, your Retina Specialist will use OCT imaging to monitor your response and determine the best interval between treatments. Some patients are able to gradually extend the time between injections, while others benefit from a more frequent schedule.
If you have dry AMD, your Retina Specialist will schedule regular follow-up visits to watch for any progression. These visits typically include OCT imaging and a visual acuity check. Consistent monitoring allows subtle changes to be caught early, before they affect your daily vision.
Between appointments, using your Amsler grid daily helps you notice any sudden changes and report them promptly. If geographic atrophy develops, your specialist will discuss whether complement inhibitor treatment is an appropriate next step.
The goal of AMD treatment is to preserve your existing vision and slow further loss, not to restore vision that has already been affected by scarring or atrophy. In many cases of wet AMD, anti-VEGF injections can stabilize vision and, when started early enough, may improve it. Results vary from person to person, and consistent follow-up gives you the best chance of maintaining functional vision over the long term.
Living Well with AMD
An AMD diagnosis does not mean giving up the life you enjoy. With the right strategies, many people with AMD continue to stay active, independent, and engaged in the activities that matter most to them.
A Mediterranean-style diet rich in leafy green vegetables, colorful fruits, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats like olive oil is associated with better retinal health and may support slower AMD progression. Vegetables such as spinach and kale are particularly beneficial because they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that support macular function. Limiting saturated fats and processed foods is also advisable.
If you smoke, stopping is the single most impactful step you can take for your vision. The relationship between smoking and AMD is well established, and quitting can meaningfully reduce your risk of further progression. Your primary care provider can connect you with resources and support to help you quit.
Low vision rehabilitation helps you make the most of your remaining vision. A low vision specialist can assess your needs and suggest practical tools and techniques tailored to your daily activities.
- Magnifying glasses or electronic magnifiers for reading
- Large-print books, phones, and remote controls
- Adjustable task lighting to improve contrast and clarity
- Audiobooks and screen-reading software
- High-contrast labels for household items
Occupational therapists can also help you develop safe techniques for navigating your home and maintaining independence.
Feelings of frustration, anxiety, or sadness are a natural response to vision loss. These reactions are common and do not mean you are handling your diagnosis poorly. Connecting with an AMD support group can provide both practical advice and a sense of community with others who understand your experience.
If feelings of depression or isolation persist, speaking with a counselor who has experience with vision-related challenges can be genuinely helpful. Taking care of your emotional health is just as important as managing the physical aspects of your condition.
When to See a Retina Specialist
Knowing when to schedule a routine visit versus when to seek urgent care is important for protecting your vision. Both types of appointments play a role in good AMD management.
If you have been diagnosed with any stage of AMD, regular visits with a Retina Specialist are essential, even when your vision feels stable. Your specialist will determine the right visit schedule based on your type of AMD and how it has been changing. Consistent imaging catches subtle shifts before you notice them in your daily vision.
Some changes in vision require immediate attention rather than a routine appointment. Contact a Retina Specialist or go to the emergency room right away if you experience any of the following.
- Sudden new blurriness or dark spots in the center of your vision
- Straight lines that suddenly look wavy or bent
- A new blank or shadowed area in your central visual field
- A rapid unexplained decrease in visual clarity
These symptoms can signal the onset or sudden worsening of wet AMD. Acting within days rather than weeks can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.
Your optometrist or general ophthalmologist may be the first to notice early signs of AMD during a routine exam. They can refer you to a Retina Specialist for advanced imaging, diagnosis, and treatment. Keeping all of your eye care providers informed about your AMD status ensures that everyone involved in your care is working with the same information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to questions our patients commonly ask about AMD, covering details that can help you navigate your care with more confidence.
AMD affects central vision but does not cause total blindness. Peripheral (side) vision is generally preserved even in advanced stages of the disease. While losing central vision affects tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces, most people with AMD retain enough side vision to remain mobile and independent. With low vision rehabilitation and adaptive tools, many people continue to live full and active lives.
For most people, wet AMD is a long-term condition that requires ongoing treatment. Many patients continue injections for years to keep the disease controlled and vision stable. Your Retina Specialist will work to find the longest interval between treatments that keeps the disease suppressed, reducing the frequency of office visits where possible. Stopping injections without guidance from your specialist can allow the disease to reactivate, sometimes with rapid vision loss.
Current evidence supports the use of AREDS2 supplements specifically for patients with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye. There is no proven benefit for those with only early AMD or for family members who do not yet show signs of the disease. Your Retina Specialist can review your imaging and determine whether supplements are appropriate for your stage, so please ask before purchasing any formula on your own.
While AMD cannot be reversed, several steps can help slow its progression. Quitting smoking is the most impactful lifestyle change. Eating a nutrient-rich diet, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight, and protecting your eyes from UV light all contribute. Following your Retina Specialist's treatment plan and attending every monitoring appointment are equally important, since early detection of changes gives you the most treatment options.
Missing or delaying injections for wet AMD can allow the abnormal blood vessels to become active again. Even a short gap in treatment can lead to fluid reaccumulating beneath the retina and new vision loss that may not fully recover. If you need to reschedule an appointment, contact our office as soon as possible so we can get you in quickly and protect your progress.
Research into advanced therapies, including gene therapy for AMD, is actively ongoing, and this is a promising area of scientific investigation. However, these approaches are still in clinical trial phases and are not yet available as standard care. Current treatments focus on stabilizing vision and slowing progression rather than restoring what has already been lost to scarring or atrophy. Staying in regular contact with your Retina Specialist ensures you will be informed as new options become available.
Partner with Us for Your AMD Care
At Atlantic Retina Center, our entire practice is dedicated exclusively to the retina, vitreous, and macula, which means every tool, every appointment, and every decision we make is focused on protecting your central vision. Our team of fellowship-trained, board-certified Retina Specialists brings deep expertise to every stage of AMD, from early monitoring to complex surgical and medical management. We are proud to serve communities across the Eastern Shore of Maryland and central and southern Delaware, and we are here to support you at every step of your AMD journey. We encourage you to schedule a visit so we can work together to preserve the vision that matters most to you.