Understanding Macular Degeneration in 2025: What Every American Should Know

Across the United States, more people are living long enough to experience age-related changes in their eyes, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This condition affects the macula, the small central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision used for reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Learning how AMD develops, who is most at risk, and what can be done in 2025 to detect and manage it can help individuals and families make more informed decisions about eye health.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

What is AMD? Dry vs wet types and key differences

Age-related macular degeneration is a chronic eye disease that damages the macula, gradually reducing central vision while usually leaving side (peripheral) vision intact. Most people with AMD start with the “dry” form, which develops slowly. In dry AMD, small yellow deposits called drusen form under the retina, and over time the macula can thin and lose function.

The “wet” form of AMD is less common but more serious. In wet AMD, fragile new blood vessels grow under the retina and leak blood or fluid, causing more sudden and severe damage to central vision. Many cases of wet AMD begin as dry AMD that progresses. Key differences include the speed of vision changes, the presence of leaking blood vessels, and the types of treatments available. While dry AMD often progresses gradually and currently has fewer direct treatment options, wet AMD may respond to medications that target abnormal blood vessels if diagnosed early.

Who is at risk in the U.S.? Prevalence, age, and other factors

In the United States, age is the strongest risk factor for AMD. The condition is most common in people over 60, and the chances of developing it increase significantly after age 70. Millions of Americans are living with some stage of AMD, and the number is expected to grow as the population ages.

Certain groups have higher risk. People with a family history of AMD face increased likelihood of developing it themselves. Smoking is one of the most important modifiable risk factors and has been consistently linked to a higher chance of both developing AMD and having it progress more rapidly. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity may also contribute. Some studies suggest that people of European ancestry are more likely to develop AMD, but individuals of any background can be affected, so regular eye exams remain important across all communities in the country.

Importance of early detection: signs and screening methods

Early AMD often causes no noticeable symptoms, which is why many people do not realize anything is wrong until vision is significantly affected. When symptoms do appear, they may include blurry or fuzzy central vision, difficulty reading fine print, needing brighter light for close work, or straight lines that appear wavy or distorted. A dark or blank spot in the center of vision can be a sign of more advanced disease, especially in wet AMD.

Comprehensive dilated eye exams are the primary way AMD is detected. During this exam, an eye care professional uses eye drops to widen the pupil and then examines the retina and macula using special lenses and imaging tools. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a common, non-invasive imaging method that creates detailed cross-section images of the retina, helping detect fluid, swelling, or thinning. In some cases, dye-based imaging may be used to highlight abnormal blood vessels associated with wet AMD. At home, people diagnosed with AMD are sometimes given an Amsler grid, a simple checkerboard pattern used to monitor changes in central vision between visits.

How diet and nutrition may help slow progression

While diet alone cannot prevent or cure macular damage, research suggests that certain nutrients may help slow progression in people who already have intermediate or advanced AMD. Large clinical studies have shown that specific combinations of vitamins and minerals, often called AREDS or AREDS2 formulations, can lower the risk of progression to more severe stages in some patients. These supplements typically include vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin.

Beyond supplements, many eye specialists recommend a generally balanced eating pattern for overall eye and body health. Diets rich in leafy green vegetables (such as spinach, kale, and collard greens), colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, and fatty fish like salmon or sardines provide nutrients that support the retina. Limiting highly processed foods, trans fats, and excess sugar may also be beneficial. Anyone considering high-dose supplements should first discuss them with an eye care professional or primary care clinician, especially if they take other medications or have existing health conditions.

Latest treatments and management options in 2025

Management of AMD in 2025 focuses on slowing vision loss, treating active disease, and helping people use their remaining vision as effectively as possible. For wet AMD, injections of anti-VEGF medications into the eye remain a central treatment. These drugs help block the signals that cause abnormal blood vessels to grow and leak, and many people receive them on a regular schedule determined by their specialist. Newer versions and dosing strategies have been developed to reduce the number of injections for some patients while maintaining vision as well as possible.

For dry AMD, options are more limited but continue to evolve. Lifestyle measures such as smoking cessation, blood pressure control, and appropriate nutritional support are important. In certain advanced forms of dry AMD that involve geographic atrophy (areas of cell loss in the macula), newer medications have been approved to slow the rate at which these areas expand. Low-vision rehabilitation services, including magnifying devices, special lighting, and training in adaptive techniques, can help people with AMD continue many daily activities. Regular follow-up with an eye care professional allows for monitoring of changes, discussion of new treatment options, and timely intervention if dry AMD converts to the wet form.

Conclusion

Age-related macular degeneration is a common cause of vision loss among older adults in the United States, but it does not affect everyone in the same way. Understanding the difference between dry and wet types, recognizing who is at higher risk, and prioritizing regular eye exams can support earlier detection and more effective management. In 2025, a combination of medical treatments, healthy lifestyle choices, nutritional support, and low-vision resources offers many people with AMD the possibility of maintaining useful vision and independence for longer, even when a full cure is not yet available.