(BPT) - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) once meant a slow, irreversible loss of vision, and many people still believe that's true. But the AMD of today isn't the AMD of a generation ago. Advances in early detection and new treatments have transformed what was once an inevitable march toward blindness into a more manageable condition for many, especially when detected early and treated by a retina specialist. During February's AMD Awareness Month, the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) encourages the public to learn more about AMD to safeguard their vision.

"An AMD diagnosis can be frightening," ASRS President Geoffrey G. Emerson, MD, PhD, FASRS, said. "The key is detecting AMD before irreversible damage occurs. Once you've lost vision from AMD, we can't always restore it. But catching AMD early and working closely with a retina specialist gives patients the best chance to preserve their sight and their quality of life."

Nearly 20 million Americans are living with AMD, a condition that damages the macula - the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. AMD occurs in two primary forms: dry and wet. Most people are diagnosed with early or intermediate dry AMD, which may remain stable for many years or gradually affect vision over time. However, about 1 in 10 people with intermediate AMD will progress to wet AMD, an advanced form marked by abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the macula that can lead to sudden and significant vision loss.

The American Society of Retina Specialists is sharing five essential facts about today's AMD that could help protect your sight.

1. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over 55

When people think about vision loss and aging, cataracts and glaucoma often come to mind. But AMD is the leading cause of blindness in individuals over the age of 55 in developed countries. Unlike cataracts, which can be surgically corrected, vision loss and blindness from AMD can be permanent when not caught early enough. The strongest risk factor for AMD is older age, yet AMD is a disease that can strike earlier than expected, so prioritizing healthy vision should be a lifelong endeavor. Adopting habits that support healthy vision, such as engaging in regular exercise, avoiding smoking, eating nutritious foods including dark, leafy greens and fish, and controlling cholesterol and blood pressure, is critical for safeguarding sight at any age.

2. Regular dilated eye exams are your best defense against AMD vision loss

AMD's early stages are silent, with most people experiencing no symptoms. But a dilated eye exam can detect warning signs like drusen deposits, pigment changes or fluid accumulation years before vision changes occur.

Dilated eye exams and advanced retinal imaging technologies allow retina specialists to diagnose the specific type and stage of AMD and create personalized monitoring or treatment plans. The National Eye Institute recommends dilated eye exams at least every 1 to 2 years for people over 60, and more frequently for those with AMD risk factors such as family history, smoking or cardiovascular disease.

3. Treatment for wet AMD can prevent vision loss, and even improve vision

Wet AMD can progress rapidly without treatment, but today's therapies have transformed outcomes. Anti-VEGF medications that control the leakage and growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye can often slow or stop the progression of wet AMD. Retina specialists administer these medications through intravitreal injections, or eye injections, in which the drug is placed directly into the back of the eye.

Anti-VEGF treatments improve vision in about 1 in 3 patients and help stabilize vision in nearly 9 out of 10. Newer treatment options may also allow some patients to maintain vision with fewer injections and office visits.

4. Advanced dry AMD can now be slowed with new treatment options

New advances have also been made benefitting people with geographic atrophy (GA), the late stage of dry AMD. No current treatment can prevent vision loss for patients with GA, but two newer drugs can help to slow GA progression. Both drugs are eye injections that patients receive every one to two months, helping patients preserve functional vision longer.

5. Not all eye doctors specialize in AMD: Expert care matters

Retina specialists are medical doctors who complete up to 10 years of advanced medical training to specialize in ophthalmology and sub-specialize in diseases and surgery of the retina. Their extensive education and training make them the most qualified experts to diagnose AMD and develop a personalized treatment plan for patients with the condition.

If you experience symptoms of AMD such as blurred central vision, wavy or distorted lines, or a decrease in color intensity, see a retina specialist as soon as possible. Find a retina specialist near you at FindYourRetinaSpecialist.org.