AMD: What to Know About Early Onset
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in older adults, but it can also affect younger people. Early onset AMD is defined as AMD that occurs before the age of 50.
AMD is a degenerative disease that affects the macula, a small area in the center of the retina that is responsible for sharp central vision. In early AMD, there are small yellow deposits called drusen in the macula. These deposits are usually harmless, but they can lead to more advanced forms of AMD.
Intermediate AMD is characterized by the development of larger drusen and areas of retinal thinning. These changes can cause mild vision loss, but they usually don't affect daily activities.
Advanced AMD is the most severe form of the disease and can lead to significant vision loss. There are two main types of advanced AMD: wet and dry.
* Wet AMD occurs when new blood vessels grow under the retina. These blood vessels can leak fluid and blood, which can damage the macula and lead to rapid vision loss.
* Dry AMD occurs when the macula slowly deteriorates over time. This can cause gradual vision loss that may not be immediately noticeable.
Risk factors for early onset AMD
The risk factors for early onset AMD are similar to those for AMD in older adults, but early onset AMD is more likely to be the result of inherited genetic mutations. Some of these risk factors include:
* Family history of AMD
* Smoking
* High blood pressure
* Obesity
* Diabetes
* Light colored eyes
* Genetics - Certain gene mutations and variations, such as mutations in the complement factor H (CFH) gene increase the risk of developing AMD and can run in families
* Race and ethnicity - Studies have shown that white individuals have a higher risk of early onset AMD compared to other racial and ethnic groups
Early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow the progression of AMD and preserve vision. If you are experiencing any vision changes, it is important to see your eye doctor right away. If you are at high risk for AMD, you may want to consider having regular eye exams to catch the disease early on.