Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — a leading cause of vision loss among older adults — affects millions of Americans and carries a significant impact on quality of life if not managed early. While AMD cannot be reversed, early detection and advanced care can slow progression and help patients maintain functional vision and independence, according to a press release from WVU Medicine.
Regular vision screening and lifestyle risk reduction, paired with timely access to evolving treatments, can make a difference for patients with AMD, according to Ghassan Ghorayeb, M.D., an ophthalmologist and retina specialist at the WVU Eye Institute.
“Macular degeneration doesn’t cause total blindness,” Ghorayeb said. “But it can lead to loss of central vision if left untreated. With earlier recognition and today’s treatment options, we can slow disease progression and, in many cases, help patients retain much of their vision.”
AMD occurs when the macula, the central portion of the retina responsible for detailed vision, becomes damaged over time. Once “dry” AMD, an earlier phase of the condition, advances to “wet” AMD, patients may experience abnormal blood vessel growth and sudden changes to their vision. According to Ghorayeb, understanding the difference between these stages and knowing when to seek care is critical.
Newly developed treatments for dry AMD can slow its progression by targeting underlying disease processes. For patients with wet AMD, medications that block abnormal vessel growth and fluid leakage can stabilize the condition and sometimes even improve vision.
Lifestyle choices also play a role in AMD prevention and management. Quitting smoking, eating a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids and protecting the eyes from ultraviolet light help reduce risk. Keeping up with routine comprehensive eye exams can detect AMD early, when interventions are most effective.
“There is reason for hope,” Ghorayeb said. “We’re seeing progress in treatment options, but we also want patients and families to be proactive about eye health. Knowing your risk factors and staying current with eye exams matters.”
West Virginia continues to experience higher rates of many chronic health conditions that can impact vision, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Local access to specialized eye care through the WVU Eye Institute brings advanced diagnostics, personalized disease management and clinical trial opportunities to patients across the region.
To hear the complete conversation with Ghorayeb and learn more about AMD prevention and treatment, listen to the latest episode of the Live Healthy West Virginia podcast. The podcast is available on WVU Medicine’s YouTube channel and Spotify.
To learn more about the WVU Eye Institute, visit WVUMedicine.org/Eye.
