When your doctor says your AMD is "progressing," it means the disease is advancing — the damage to your macula is increasing over time. For intermediate AMD specifically, this means the drusen (those yellow deposits under your macula) may be growing larger, and your central vision may be more affected.
Here are some signs Show Full Answer
When your doctor says your AMD is "progressing," it means the disease is advancing — the damage to your macula is increasing over time. For intermediate AMD specifically, this means the drusen (those yellow deposits under your macula) may be growing larger, and your central vision may be more affected.
Here are some signs that intermediate AMD is progressing:
- Blurrier or hazier central vision over a larger area
- Blind spots (called scotomas) appearing in your central vision
- More difficulty telling apart similar colors or shades
- Needing more light to read or do daily tasks
- Eyes struggling to adjust when moving between bright and dark spaces The good news is that progression doesn't mean vision loss is guaranteed or immediate. There are steps that may help slow things down:
- Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts
- Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight
- Protecting your eyes from UV light with sunglasses
- Asking your doctor about AREDS2 vitamin supplements
- Keeping blood pressure in a healthy range
It's absolutely worth calling your doctor's office to ask exactly what they observed — you deserve a clear explanation of your results!
July 17