Age-Related Macular Degeneration

About Age-Related Macular Degeneration

For anyone troubled by symptoms of macular degeneration

A condition in which the macula, at the center of the retina, is damaged by aging, making the center of your vision hard to see. Cases are increasing in Japan as the population ages, but this is also a disease where progression can be slowed with early detection and appropriate treatment. Because the macula plays the biggest role in recognizing shapes, colors and text, damage here tends to have a large impact on daily life.

Symptoms

• Distorted vision (metamorphopsia): straight lines or grid patterns appear wavy or distorted near the center.
• Dark or blurred central vision: the center of what you're looking at appears dark or blurry.
• Difficulty reading: parts of letters appear missing or the center is hard to see, making it difficult to read smoothly.
• Difference in brightness between eyes: you may notice a difference in brightness or clarity when comparing each eye.
• Age 60+ with a smoking history: both aging and smoking are major risk factors for this disease.

Progression pattern: The "wet" (exudative) type can cause sudden vision loss, making early treatment especially important. The "dry" (atrophic) type progresses slowly over years. Many people only notice a problem when covering one eye, so occasionally checking each eye separately can support early detection.

Treatment

The treatment approach differs significantly depending on the type.

• Wet (neovascular) typeAbnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, causing bleeding and swelling. This type tends to progress relatively fast, but regular exams and timely treatment can help prevent vision loss. Treatment centers on anti-VEGF injections into the eye, which suppress vessel growth and reduce swelling. Multiple injections at set intervals are common, with frequency adjusted based on response.
• Dry (atrophic) typeThe macular tissue gradually thins, progressing slowly. Established treatments to stop progression are limited; management focuses on lifestyle factors and regular monitoring.
• Laser treatmentDepending on the location and condition of the lesion, laser treatment may be used to slow progression.

Depending on your condition, we may refer you to a partner institution for laser photocoagulation or vitrectomy.

None of these treatments fully restore lost vision — the goal is to slow progression and preserve your current vision for as long as possible. Starting treatment as early as possible makes a significant difference to the outcome.

About the risks: Anti-VEGF injections are a widely used treatment, but effectiveness and the number of injections needed vary between individuals, and risk is never zero. Rarely, complications such as endophthalmitis (infection inside the eye), temporary elevated eye pressure, vitreous hemorrhage, or retinal detachment can occur. Laser treatment also carries risks depending on the treated area. We explain these risks carefully based on your test results before treatment, and monitor afterward to catch any issues early.

Ongoing Care

• Even after the wet type settles down, it can recur, so regular visits at the interval your doctor recommends are essential.
• Check each eye separately against an Amsler grid daily for any distortion or missing areas. If you notice a change, contact us right away rather than waiting for your next appointment.
• A balanced diet (antioxidants like lutein found in leafy greens), UV protection (sunglasses), moderate exercise, and not smoking are all thought to support macular health.

A Note From the Director

Related Pages

• Retinal Vascular Disease
• Laser Photocoagulation & Vitrectomy
• Why We Ask You to Have Certain Tests

Please note: The effects of the treatments described on this page vary between individuals, and no particular outcome is guaranteed. The severity and course of your condition will be explained by your doctor after examination.