Optometric ManagementPreventing Conversion to Advanced AMD

Focus on early and accurate diagnosis, monitoring, and comprehensive patient education.

In the face of the persistent challenge of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), optometrists are leading the charge in preventative care. Their focus on early and accurate diagnosis, monitoring, and comprehensive patient education is paving the way for patients to maintain good vision post-diagnosis.

Key Points

• AMD remains a preventative care disease as of 2023.
• Optometrists are focusing on early and accurate diagnosis and monitoring of dry AMD.
• Comprehensive patient education about the patient’s role in preventing progression to advanced AMD is crucial.
• A study published in 2017 revealed that 25% of eyes deemed normal by the clinician in a primary care setting actually had findings of AMD.
• Subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs) carry the highest risk for AMD progression.
• Dark adaptation (DA) can be used to monitor for functional progression of early and intermediate AMD.

According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 11 million people in the United States have some form of age-related macular degeneration. This number is expected to double to nearly 22 million by 2050.

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