Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central vision loss in older adults; it develops when the macula, the light-sensitive tissue found at the back of the eye, degrades due to age. This can cause blood vessels to leak into the macula, which causes blurry vision. Smoking, high blood pressure and eating a diet high in saturated fat can also contribute to its onset.
Routine eye exams can detect age-related macular degeneration before symptoms develop and track progression in diagnosed patients. Depending on the type and severity of AMD, treatments can include vision rehabilitation programs, low-vision devices, anti-growth factor or anti-complement injections and surgery. Clinical trials are also being conducted on treatments being considered for FDA approval.
At Johns Hopkins Medicine, researchers are creating nanotechnologies to treat and diagnose AMD; testing novel AMD drugs; developing therapies to protect against AMD-related complications; characterizing the molecular and genetic changes underlying AMD and developing handheld technologies so patients can monitor AMD progression.
The following Johns Hopkins Medicine physicians and researchers, who specialize in treating or researching age-related macular degeneration, are available for comment:
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Experts
Boone Pickens Professor of Ophthalmology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Jonas Friedenwald Professor of Ophthalmology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Fred M. Leader Family Retina Professor
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Branna and Irving Sisenwein Professor of Ophthalmology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Vice Chair for the Wilmer Eye Care Network
