Does Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Affect One or Both Eyes?

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is one of the leading causes of vision loss among adults over the age of 50. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with AMD, you may be wondering if this condition affects just one eye or both. Understanding how AMD works, its causes, and how it affects your vision can help you take the right steps to protect your eyesight.

What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

AMD is an eye disease that affects the macula; the small, central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. As the name suggests, AMD is more common as we get older, and it can make it difficult to read, drive, recognize faces, or see fine details. There are two main types of AMD: dry AMD, which is the most common and progresses slowly, and wet AMD, which is less common but can cause rapid vision loss.

What Causes AMD?

The exact cause of AMD isn’t fully understood, but several factors increase your risk, including:

Age: Risk increases significantly after age 50.
Genetics: A family history of AMD raises your risk.
Lifestyle: Smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise are linked to a higher chance of developing AMD.
Other Health Issues: High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease may contribute to AMD development.

Does AMD Affect One or Both Eyes?

AMD can develop in one eye or both, but over time, it often affects both eyes, though not always at the same rate. It’s common for one eye to develop AMD before the other. Even if only one eye is affected initially, the other eye remains at higher risk. The symptoms may be more noticeable in one eye at first, but regular monitoring is crucial because the disease can progress differently in each eye.

How Does AMD Affect Vision?

In its early stages, AMD may cause little or no noticeable vision changes. As it advances, you may experience:

Blurred or fuzzy central vision
Difficulty recognizing faces
Dark or empty areas in the center of your vision
Colors appearing less bright

Peripheral vision is usually not affected, but central vision loss can significantly impact daily activities.

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Crucial

Because AMD can progress slowly and may not cause symptoms at first, regular comprehensive eye exams are vital - especially as you age. Eye exams allow your eye doctor to detect AMD in its early stages and monitor both eyes for any changes. Early detection and intervention can help slow the progression of AMD and preserve your vision for as long as possible.

Protect Your Sight at Roggy Eye Clinic

Age-related macular degeneration can affect one or both eyes, often progressing at different rates. Early detection is key to protecting your eyesight and maintaining your quality of life. By scheduling regular eye exams and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can take important steps to manage your eye health.

If you are concerned about your risk for AMD, contact Roggy Eye Clinic to schedule your comprehensive eye exam and take control of your vision health. Visit our office in Coralville, Iowa, or call (319) 569-1936 to book an appointment today.