Oregon's
Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Resource & Blog

For Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in Oregon and Oregonians, and their caregivers.This page is written for Oregonians, by an Oregonian. Living with AMD is not easy. Its complicated and confusing. This page is meant to make it easier for you to understand, get help, and see better for longer. As you learn and experience AMD, we are here for you.

What are anti-VEGF medications?

January 2023

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs are a type of medication used to treat wet AMD, which is the more advanced and severe form of the disease. Wet AMD is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels underneath the macula, which can leak fluid and blood, causing damage to the macula and impairing vision.VEGF is a protein that promotes the growth of blood vessels, and in wet AMD, it is produced in excess in several conditions including Macular Degeneration. Anti-VEGF drugs work by binding to VEGF and blocking its action, thereby reducing the growth of abnormal blood vessels and the leakage of fluid and blood.There are currently several anti-VEGF drugs available, including ranibizumab (Lucentis), aflibercept (Eylea), and bevacizumab (Avastin). Vabysmo is a new drug that combines the action of anti-VEGF with another method of controlling wet AMD. These drugs are administered through injection into the eye and typically require multiple treatments over a period of months or years.While anti-VEGF drugs do not cure AMD, they can slow or even halt the progression of the disease, and in some cases, even improve vision.In summary, anti-VEGF drugs are an important treatment option for wet AMD, and they have helped many people preserve their vision and quality of life. If you have been diagnosed with AMD, it is essential to speak with your eye doctor about your treatment options, including the use of anti-VEGF drugs.

Back to the Subject List

What is Wet Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)?

January 2023

What is Wet AMD?Wet macular degeneration (Wet AMD), also known as neovascular macular degeneration, is a more severe form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that can cause rapid and severe vision loss. It is less common than the dry form of AMD but accounts for most cases of severe vision loss associated with the disease.In wet macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, leaking fluid and blood into the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The resulting damage to the macula can lead to rapid and severe loss of central vision.The exact cause of wet macular degeneration is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the same risk factors as dry macular degeneration, including age, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and obesity.Symptoms of wet macular degeneration may include a sudden onset of blurred or distorted central vision, the appearance of dark spots or blind spots in the central vision, and decreased color intensity. If left untreated, the disease can progress rapidly, leading to irreversible vision loss.Treatment options for wet macular degeneration are medications called anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs, such as Eylea, Vabysmo, Lucentis, and Avastin, which are injected into the eye in a painless way to slow or stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels.Early detection and prompt treatment are critical for preserving vision in people with wet macular degeneration. Oregon Coasties and those who live in the Willamette Valley (and all of Oregon) need regular eye exams are important for detecting the disease before vision loss occurs, and people with a family history of AMD or other risk factors should be especially vigilant in monitoring their eye health.

Back to the Subject List

What is Dry AMD?

January 2023

What is Dry Macular Degeneration (AMD)?Dry macular degeneration is a common eye disease that affects the macula, a small area in the center of the retina that is responsible for central vision. It is characterized by the gradual breakdown of the light-sensitive cells in the macula, leading to a loss of central vision over time.The exact cause of dry macular degeneration is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The disease is more common in older adults, and smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity are among the risk factors.Symptoms of dry macular degeneration may include blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading or performing tasks that require detailed vision, and decreased brightness or intensity of colors. In its early stages, the disease may not cause noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses, the central vision can become severely impaired.Currently, there is no cure for dry macular degeneration, and treatment options are limited. However, some interventions may slow the progression of the disease, such as taking nutritional supplements containing vitamins and minerals (AREDS2), quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Excitingly for Oregonians, Syfovre was just FDA approved as the first prescription medication for Dry AMD. Regular eye exams are also important for detecting the disease early and monitoring its progression.In some cases, dry macular degeneration can progress to a more severe form called wet macular degeneration, which can cause rapid and severe vision loss. It is important to seek medical attention if you notice any changes in your vision.

Back to the Subject List

December, 2022

What Is AMD?

What Is Age-related Macular Degeneration or AMD?Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a common eye condition that affects the eyes of people in Oregon and across the world. It affects the macula, the small, central portion of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, with over 10 million Americans affected. Because of the northern latitude and various other factors, Macular Degeneration (AMD) is common in Eugene, the Oregon Coast (Coos Bay, North Bend, Florence, and others), Roseburg and other area of Oregon.There are two types of macular degeneration: dry AMD and wet AMD.Dry AMD is the more common form and is characterized by the thinning and breakdown of the macula's light-sensitive cells, leading to a gradual loss of central vision. Wet AMD is less common but more severe, and is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing under the macula, which leak blood and fluid, causing rapid vision loss.The exact cause of macular degeneration is not fully understood, but age, genetics, smoking, and certain lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, are known to increase the risk of developing the condition. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure and obesity, can also increase the risk.Symptoms of macular degeneration include blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and seeing dark or empty areas in the center of your visual field. While there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, early detection and treatment can slow its progression and preserve remaining vision.Treatment for wet AMD is injections of medication into the eye to slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels. These injections should be painless, both during and after the injections. This is an effective treatment to prevent worsening of wet AMD.

Back to the Subject List

June, 2023

New Wet Macular Degeneration

How to Tell if You Have New Wet Macular Degeneration in Your Retina.Macular degeneration is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. One specific type of macular degeneration is called wet macular degeneration, which can cause severe vision loss if left untreated. In this article, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of new wet macular degeneration and how you can identify them.Understanding Wet Macular DegenerationBefore we dive into the signs of new wet macular degeneration, let's briefly explain what this condition is. Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that primarily affects the central part of the retina, known as the macula. The macula is responsible for sharp, detailed vision, and any damage to it can lead to vision impairment.Wet macular degeneration, also known as neovascular or exudative macular degeneration, occurs when abnormal blood vessels start growing under the macula. These blood vessels can leak fluid, blood, and other substances, causing retinal damage and distorted vision.Signs and SymptomsRecognizing the signs and symptoms of new wet macular degeneration is crucial for early detection and timely treatment. Here are the key indicators to look out for:1. Blurred or Distorted VisionOne of the earliest signs of wet macular degeneration is a sudden decline in central vision. You may notice that objects appear blurry, hazy, or distorted. Straight lines may appear wavy or bent, making it challenging to read or recognize faces.2. Dark Spots or Blind SpotsIf you start experiencing dark spots or blind spots in your central vision, it could be a sign of new wet macular degeneration. These spots may grow in size over time, further hindering your ability to see fine details or perform daily tasks.When to Seek Medical AttentionIf you suspect you may have new wet macular degeneration based on the mentioned signs and symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the chances of preserving your vision.An ophthalmologist or retina specialist will conduct a comprehensive eye examination to evaluate the condition of your macula and determine the best course of action. Treatment options are typically anti-VEGF injections.ConclusionBeing aware of the signs and symptoms of new wet macular degeneration is essential for early detection and prompt treatment. If you notice any changes in your vision, such as blurriness, distortion, or blind spots, it is crucial to consult a retina specialist without delay. Remember, timely intervention can make a significant difference in managing this condition and preserving your eyesight.

Back to the Subject List

Contact Us About
Macular Degeneration

Send Message