Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), can be a scary diagnosis. But understanding how it progresses can help you feel more in control. If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with AMD, you might be wondering how long it takes to lose vision with macular degeneration. The answer isn’t the same for everyone, but learning about the condition may ease your anxiety. In this blog, we discuss what you need to know about AMD and how you can protect your vision.
What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration affects the macula, the part of the retina that helps you see clearly straight ahead. It leads to loss of central vision, which is critical for activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. There are two main types of AMD: dry and wet.
- Dry AMD: This type is the more common form, affecting about 80-90% of people with AMD. It progresses slowly and causes the macula to thin over time. Symptoms usually develop gradually, making sudden vision loss unlikely.
- Wet AMD: This type of AMD is less common but more severe. With wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, eventually leaking fluid and blood into the retina. Wet AMD can cause rapid vision loss if not treated promptly.
How quickly does macular degeneration progress?
The speed at which macular degeneration progresses varies from person to person. Dry AMD happens in three stages:
Early AMD
During the early stage of dry AMD, small yellow deposits, known as drusen, begin to form under the retina. Early on, you might not notice any symptoms. The macula starts to thin, but your vision will remain largely unaffected. Your eye doctor can detect these deposits during your comprehensive eye exam before any noticeable vision changes occur.
Intermediate stage
In the intermediate stage, drusen become larger and more numerous, leading to some damage to the macula. At this point, some people will start experiencing mild vision problems, like blurred vision or difficulty seeing in low light. Reading fine print or recognizing faces might also become more challenging. This stage can last several years, and eye doctors typically recommend more frequent check-ups to monitor changes and intervene early if necessary.
Advanced stage
The advanced stage of macular degeneration is where significant vision loss can occur. If you have the dry form, this could take many years to develop. If you have wet AMD, vision loss can occur rapidly, sometimes within weeks or months if left untreated. With dry AMD, the macula continues to thin and break down. With wet AMD, the growth of abnormal blood vessels can cause severe damage through leakage and scarring. Straight lines may appear wavy, and blank spots in the central vision can develop quickly.
How quickly can vision loss occur with AMD?
The progression of AMD is unique to each person. Some people with dry AMD may have stable vision for years, while others might develop wet AMD and experience more rapid changes. Wet AMD can lead to significant vision loss much quicker. Without treatment, vision can deteriorate in a matter of months. There is no reversing vision loss caused by macular degeneration, but you can take steps to keep it from getting worse. Effective treatment, especially for wet AMD, can help slow down or even prevent further vision loss.
For wet AMD, treatments such as anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy can help manage and slow down the progression. For dry AMD, nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes, like a diet high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, may help protect against further vision loss.
At the Vision Center of Lake Norman and Lifetime Eyecare, we use the latest technology to diagnose macular degeneration, including the AdaptDx Pro® test by MacuLogix®, which helps detect AMD at its earliest stages. The AdaptDx Pro® measures dark adaptation speed (the number of minutes it takes your vision to adjust to darkness), which may indicate the presence of AMD up to three years earlier than other tests. If you have any concerns about your vision or are looking for macular degeneration treatment in Newton or Mooresville, North Carolina, schedule an appointment with us.
