Introduction
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts are eye diseases that affect a significant number of Filipinos, especially the elderly. According to the World Health Organization’s report on Vision in 2020, nearly 195.6 million people wordwide, aged 30 to 97, were affected by AMD alone.
Asian Eye Institute can help you if you have AMD or cataracts. Contact us or visit any of our locations in Metro Manila to consult our specialists and have your eyes checked. It would be beneficial, too, if you are familiar with both diseases, so we summarized in this article some of the most vital information you should know about these conditions. Read through the rest of the page to learn how they differ.
Differences Between AMD and Cataract
AMD and cataracts are serious eye conditions, and being affected by one can negatively impact how you live. These diseases make it harder for you to see clearly, so simple tasks like preparing food, reading books, watching TV, or using mobile phones can be more difficult than usual.
Understanding the difference between the two eye conditions is essential, especially if you wish to get a proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Check out this guide to learn what makes AMD disease and cataracts distinct from each other:
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Overview
As the name suggests, age-related macular degeneration typically affects the macula and is very common among people in their advanced age. The macula is a part of the retina that ensures you can see what is in front of you. When AMD damages this portion of the eye, it renders the patient’s central vision unusable. While AMD does not cause total blindness, the lack of central vision can make it extremely challenging for people to recognize faces, shapes, and details in objects.
This disease can be categorized into two types: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration, also called “atrophic AMD,” is more common and is characterized by the macula’s thinning as a person ages. As of now, there is no way to treat dry AMD. However, it might be possible to prevent the problem from worsening. Intervention can save the patient’s remaining vision, especially if the condition is detected in its early stages.
Wet macular degeneration is less common and usually starts late, so it is perceived to cause faster vision loss. It is also called advanced neovascular AMD, and it happens when the macula is damaged by abnormal growth. The emergence of blood vessels at the back or under the retina can cause this as well. Wet AMD is serious. This is why early detection is crucial so that doctors may help you find ways to manage it and prevent it from worsening.
To detect AMD as early as possible, patients have to undergo visual acuity and pupil dilation exams. Amsler grid tests might also be necessary. This involves looking at a checkerboard-like grid to see if the straight lines appear wavy.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms and dry and wet AMD vary, depending on the severity of the condition. It is common for patients to experience the following:
- Blurry or Foggy Vision
- Difficulty Seeing Objects in Low Light
- Straight Lines Appearing Wavy
- Problems With Reading Printed Text
- Rapid Loss of Central Vision
- Inability To Recognize Faces
Both dry and wet AMD can happen in just one or both eyes, so be sure to watch out for these signs and symptoms and seek medical help as necessary. However, if you are over 50, it is better to have your eyes checked regularly, even if you are not experiencing any AMD symptoms.
Cataract
Overview
Cataracts are characterized by the clouding of the eyes’ lenses, which should generally be clear. This disease results in foggy or blurry vision, making it hard for the afflicted person to read, drive, recognize faces from afar, and do other everyday tasks.
It is a common eye problem not just in the Philippines but in the entire world. In fact, it is among the leading causes of blindness globally. This disease is more common among middle-aged and senior citizens, but it does not necessarily mean that younger ones cannot get it. Young adults, teens, and even babies can sometimes have cataracts.
Cataracts can be inherited, developed slowly through aging, or caused by a traumatic injury to the eye. The disease can be diagnosed through visual acuity and pupil dilation tests done during regular comprehensive eye exams. It can still be managed in its earliest stages if the patient wears stronger eyeglasses and works in brightly lit rooms. Surgery is also an option for some.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of cataracts can vary from one person to another. However, there are common signs to watch out for are:
- Cloudy or Foggy Vision
- Sensitivity to Glares and Bright Lights
- Poor Night Vision
- Double Vision
- Increased Nearsightedness
- Seeing Halos
- Inability to See Colors Normally
- Frequent Changes in Eyeglass Prescription
These are just a few of the most common symptoms, so it might be possible for some patients to experience other problems that might be related to having cataracts. In any case, it would greatly help if they immediately visit a doctor once they notice these signs.
Consult Specialists for AMD and Cataracts Today
Asian Eye Institute is here if you are looking for specialists who can help manage age-related macular degeneration or cataracts in patients. You can rest assured that you are in good hands because our ophthalmologists are all highly skilled and experienced. Additionally, we have advanced medical equipment to provide better eye care and more precise diagnosis of their eye problems.
For more information about our services, feel free to get in touch with us. Call your preferred branch through their landline or mobile number to speak directly with our staff. You can also use our online form to set an appointment with our doctors. Simply fill it out with the necessary information and submit it electronically. Wait for the confirmation of your schedule, which will be emailed to you.
