AMD Facts
Approximately 2 Million People in the U.S. Have Some Form of Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)*
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is most common in people 65 years of age and older. Although people with AMD do not generally go completely blind, many find it difficult to read, recognize people, drive, and perform other everyday functions that require central vision. Side or "peripheral" vision is rarely affected by AMD.
There are Two Types of AMD: "Dry" and "Wet"
Dry (atrophic) AMD: Accounts for approximately 90% of all AMD cases. Dry AMD is usually characterized by the presence of small, white-yellow fatty deposits called drusen and thinning of the macular tissue. The most advanced form of dry AMD is called geographic atrophy. This condition accounts for many of the new cases of legal blindness due to AMD each year in the US. It is also responsible for a significant portion of permanent vision impairment associated with AMD. Dry AMD can develop into the more progressive wet form of AMD.
Wet (exudative) AMD: Develops in only 10 to 15 percent of individuals with AMD, but usually dramatically affects vision rapidly. It is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula. These abnormal vessels are fragile and leak fluid and blood, resulting in scarring of the macula. End-Stage AMD resulting from the wet form of AMD is also called disciform scar and is often associated with permanent central vision loss.
End-Stage AMD: End-Stage AMD occurs when patients have central vision loss in both eyes from either dry AMD or wet AMD no longer treatable with drugs (macular scars).
AMD Treatment Options
Dry AMD: There are currently no accepted therapies for dry AMD. Vitamins may be helpful in slowing progression in some patients.
Wet AMD: Current and investigational therapies for wet AMD focus on slowing or halting the progression of the disease and include laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and anti-angiogenesis drug therapies injected into or in the back of the eye. There are currently no accepted drug therapies for End-Stage AMD whether it results from the wet form or the dry form of AMD.
End-Stage AMD: End-Stage AMD does not improve with drugs or cataract surgery (1, 2), but appropriate candidates may enjoy improved vision and quality of life with the CentraSight treatment program.
*VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Inc. estimate from Archives of Ophthalmology 2004; 122:564-572.
1Jager RD, Mieler WF, Miller JW. Age-related macular degeneration. N Engl J Med. 2008;358:2606-17.
2Forooghian F, Agrón E, Clemons TE, Ferris FL 3rd, Chew EY; Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. Visual acuity outcomes after cataract surgery in patients with age-related macular degeneration: age-related eye disease study report no. 27. Ophthalmology. 2009;116:2093-100.
