Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Wagner Kapoor Institute

Ophthalmologists & Eye Surgeons located in Norfolk, VA & Virginia Beach, VA

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring are essential to protecting your vision. At Wagner Kapoor Institute, our experienced ophthalmologists and eye surgeons specialize in diagnosing, monitoring, and managing dry macular degeneration to help patients preserve their central vision and maintain their quality of life.

We proudly serve patients throughout Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Kilmarnock, the Outer Banks, Virginia, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

If you are experiencing changes in your vision or have concerns about macular degeneration, schedule an appointment today by calling 757-481-4400 or visiting https://www.wagnerkapoor.com/schedule.

Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) Q&A

What Is Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) is a common eye condition that affects adults over the age of 50 and is one of the leading causes of vision loss. Dry AMD occurs when the macula—the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision—begins to thin and develop small deposits called drusen.

Over time, dry AMD can make it more difficult to read, drive, recognize faces, or perform other daily activities that require clear central vision.

Unlike wet macular degeneration, dry AMD typically progresses more gradually, making routine eye exams critical for early detection and long-term vision preservation.

What Are the Symptoms of Dry Macular Degeneration?

Dry AMD may not cause noticeable symptoms in its earliest stages. As the condition progresses, patients may begin to experience:

Blurred or fuzzy central vision
Difficulty reading small print
Trouble recognizing faces
Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted
Needing brighter light for reading or close-up tasks
Reduced color perception
Dark or blank spots in central vision

If you are noticing any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an eye examination as soon as possible.

What Causes Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

While the exact cause of dry AMD is not fully understood, several factors may increase your risk, including:

Age over 50
Family history of macular degeneration
Smoking
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Obesity
Poor nutrition
Excessive UV exposure

Routine comprehensive eye exams can help detect early changes before significant vision loss occurs.

How Is Dry AMD Diagnosed?

At Wagner Kapoor Institute, our eye specialists use advanced diagnostic technology to detect and monitor dry macular degeneration, including:

Comprehensive dilated eye exams
Retinal imaging
Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Amsler grid testing
Visual acuity testing

These advanced tools allow our ophthalmologists to identify even subtle retinal changes and track progression over time.

Dry AMD Treatment Options

Although there is currently no cure for dry age-related macular degeneration, early intervention and personalized treatment plans can help slow progression and protect your remaining vision. Treatment recommendations may include:

Nutritional Supplements

Certain vitamin formulations, including AREDS2 supplements, may help slow the progression of intermediate dry AMD in some patients.

Lifestyle Modifications

Healthy lifestyle choices may support retinal health, including:

Smoking cessation
Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
Eating leafy green vegetables and antioxidant-rich foods
Wearing UV-protective sunglasses
Maintaining regular exercise

Ongoing Monitoring

Routine follow-up visits allow our specialists to monitor your retinal health and detect any progression to wet AMD, which may require additional treatment.

Why Choose Wagner Kapoor Institute for Dry AMD Care?

At Wagner Kapoor Institute, our board-certified ophthalmologists and eye surgeons combine advanced technology with personalized care to help patients protect their vision at every stage of life.

Patients throughout Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Kilmarnock, the Outer Banks, and Elizabeth City trust our team for expert retinal evaluations, early diagnosis, and compassionate treatment planning.