Playvis Group

Protecting Central Vision: Understanding the Risks, Early Detection, and Emerging Therapies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in people over the age of 50 in developed countries, profoundly impacting the quality of life by damaging the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. This insidious condition manifests in two primary forms—dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular)—and gradually impairs the ability to perform crucial daily tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Early detection, often through routine comprehensive eye exams including retinal imaging, is paramount because therapeutic strategies are most effective when implemented before significant, permanent central vision loss occurs.

While there is currently no complete cure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, significant advancements in treatment, particularly for the more aggressive wet form, have dramatically slowed its progression. Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agents have become the standard of care, successfully stabilizing or improving vision for many patients by inhibiting the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels beneath the macula. Furthermore, lifestyle modifications, including nutritional supplements rich in specific vitamins and antioxidants, and protection from ultraviolet light, play an important preventive role in mitigating the progression of the dry form.