Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Symptoms and Latest Treatments to Protect the Macula

Your comprehensive medical guide to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dry macula. Dr. Mahmoud Hassan explains the symptoms and the benefits of modern injections to halt vision deterioration.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Understanding Symptoms and Latest Treatments to Protect the Macula

As we age, our bodies change, and our eyes are also affected. One of the most prominent of these changes is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), also known as macular degeneration. This condition can significantly impact the quality of life, as it targets the central part of the retina responsible for clear and detailed vision, known as the macula. In this article, we will review the symptoms of this disease, how it is diagnosed, and the latest scientific advancements in its treatment, focusing on the importance of preserving macula health.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration is a chronic disease that affects the macula, a small and sensitive area at the back of the eye. The macula is responsible for our sharp central vision, essential for reading, recognizing faces, and driving. When the macula is damaged due to aging, these vital functions begin to deteriorate.

Age-related macular degeneration is generally divided into two main types: dry and wet. The dry type is the most common, accounting for about 80-90% of cases, and develops slowly over years. The wet type is less common but can lead to faster and more severe vision loss. It results from the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina that leak fluid and blood.

Early and Warning Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration often begins without obvious symptoms in its early stages, especially the dry type. As the disease progresses, symptoms may gradually appear. Among the most prominent symptoms are:

• Blurred central vision: You may notice difficulty seeing fine details directly in front of you.
• Wavy or distorted lines: Straight lines, such as door frames or tree leaves, may appear wavy or bent. This is a common sign, especially in the wet type.
• A dark or blind spot in the center of vision: A hazy or dark area may appear in the middle of your field of vision, making reading or recognizing faces difficult.
• Difficulty adapting to low light: You may find it harder to see in dimly lit places.
• Changes in colors: Colors may appear faded or different from how they used to be.

It is crucial to pay attention to these symptoms, especially if you are in the age group most susceptible (over fifty years old), have a family history of the disease, or are a smoker. Early detection is key to effective treatment.

Accurate Diagnosis: An Essential Step Towards Treatment

The diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration relies on several advanced examinations performed by a specialized ophthalmologist. At Al Mashreq Eye Center, we use the latest technologies to ensure diagnostic accuracy. These examinations include:

• Fundus examination: Involves dilating the pupil to examine the retina and macula for any abnormal changes such as deposits (Drusen) or new blood vessels.
• Amsler Grid test: A simple grid that helps the patient detect any central vision abnormalities.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): A non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed images of the retinal layers and helps detect fluid or blood accumulation under the retina, an indicator of the wet type.
• Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA): Uses a special dye to photograph blood vessels in the retina, helping to identify leakage sites and determine a treatment plan.
• Ultra-widefield Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (UWF-OCTA): A modern technique that allows examination of blood vessels in the retina and macula without the need for dye injection, providing a wider and more detailed view.

Latest Treatments to Protect the Macula and Halt Vision Deterioration

The field of age-related macular degeneration treatment has seen tremendous advancements in recent years, providing us with effective therapeutic options to preserve vision or slow its deterioration.

1. Pharmacological Treatment (Intravitreal Injections):

Intravitreal injection is the primary treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration. These injections target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays a key role in the growth and leakage of abnormal blood vessels. Prominent medications used include:

• Eylea: An effective medication that has demonstrated its ability to improve or preserve vision in many patients. The price of an Eylea injection in Egypt for 2026 is approximately 9,000 EGP (estimated).
• Vabysmo: The latest generation of treatments, it is the first drug to target both VEGF and Ang-2, offering a dual mechanism of action that may be more effective in some cases. The price of a Vabysmo injection in Egypt for 2026 is approximately 11,000 EGP (estimated).
• Other medications such as Lucentis and Avastin may also be used depending on the case.

These injections typically require regular follow-up sessions, and the patient may need repeated injections to maintain the results.

2. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):

In some cases, photodynamic therapy can be used, a procedure that combines injecting a light-sensitive drug (Visudyne) and then activating this drug with a low-energy laser to destroy abnormal blood vessels. This treatment may be beneficial in specific situations, especially when blood vessels do not respond to other treatments.

3. Targeted Treatments for Dry AMD:

Until recently, there was no effective treatment for advanced dry age-related macular degeneration. However, research has shown significant progress, and new treatments are beginning to emerge that aim to slow the progression of the disease in its advanced stages, such as medications that reduce deposit accumulation or inflammation. These treatments are still under evaluation and development, but they hold great promise for the future.

4. Nutritional Supplements and Vitamins:

Large studies (such as AREDS and AREDS2) have shown that taking a specific combination of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, and lutein/zeaxanthin, can help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration in its intermediate to advanced stages, especially the dry type. A doctor should be consulted before starting any supplements.

The Role of Dr. Mahmoud Hassan and Al Mashreq Eye Center in Macular Degeneration Patient Care

At Al Mashreq Eye Center in Cairo, we are committed to providing the highest standards of care for retina patients, including those with age-related macular degeneration. As a key contributor to the center, Dr. Mahmoud Hassan and his team strive to provide accurate diagnoses and innovative treatments that align with the latest international recommendations. We believe that a deep understanding of the disease, continuous communication with the patient, and the use of advanced technologies are the fundamental pillars for protecting vision and improving our patients' quality of life.

Understanding the nature of age-related macular degeneration, recognizing its early symptoms, and promptly consulting a specialist is the first line of defense against this disease. With continuous advancements in treatments, there is great hope for controlling the disease and preserving vision for as long as possible.

For more information about eye health and the latest technologies, you can follow my YouTube channel via .

For Reservations and Inquiries: 01002310813

Articles you might like to read

• Macular Hole Surgery with Endoscopy: Success Rates and My Experience in Restoring Vision
• Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema with Extended-Release Cortisone Implants (Ozurdex)

https://drmahmoud-hassaan.com/en/articles/age-related-macular-degeneration