About AMD
The leading cause of blindness in older adults1
An overview on AMD
Age-related macular disease (AMD) affects central vision, caused by waste build up in the macula, the central part of the retina.2 The macula is responsible for detailed vision necessary for activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing people’s faces.2 AMD can progress slowly in some individuals and rapidly in others, making it important for patients to get routine eye exams for early detection.2
AMD is the leading cause of blindness among the elderly in North America, and there is currently no cure for the disease.3 There are two types of AMD: an atrophic form, so-called “dry” AMD, and an exudative or “wet” form, characterized by the presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV).4
References:
1. Age-related macular degeneration. National Eye Institute. Available at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration.
2. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Canadian association of optometrists. Available at: https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd.
3. Cruess A, et al. Canadian expert consensus: optimal treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Can J Ophthalmol 2012;47:227-335.
4. Cruess A, et al. The treatment of wet AMD in Canada: access to therapy (policy review). Can J Opthalmol 2009:44;548-556.
