Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is one of theleading causes of vision loss in adults over 55—but despite how common it is,the biology behind AMD is often misunderstood. Many people still think AMD iscaused by “aging alone,” when in reality, it is a complex condition shaped bymany overlapping processes inside the retina.
This episode breaks AMD down in the clearest way possible:through the AMD-11 Framework, a new, structured model that maps outthe eleven key mechanisms known to contribute to AMD. Instead of looking at AMDas a single disease pathway, this framework helps listeners understand howcellular stress, vascular changes, structural damage, and systemic factors allinteract to influence the health of the macula.
In this episode, we explore:
1. Oxidative Stress
How the retina’s high metabolic demands create oxidativebyproducts—and how the imbalance between damage and protection acceleratesdegeneration.
2. Mitochondrial Decline
Why the retina’s energy-producing mitochondria weaken withage, and how this affects the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the supportlayer that keeps photoreceptors alive.
3. Chronic Inflammation& Complement Overactivation
How immune pathways mistakenly target retinal structures,contributing to tissue damage and AMD progression.
4. Impaired Autophagy& Lipofuscin Accumulation
Why cellular “waste removal” slows down with age, leadingto toxic buildup inside RPE cells.
5. ChoriocapillarisDropout
How tiny choroidal blood vessels begin to thin anddisappear, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the retina.
6. VEGF-Driven NeovascularStress (Wet AMD)
What happens when the retina becomes oxygen-starved andtries to compensate by growing fragile, leaky blood vessels.
7. Drusen Formation &Lipid Accumulation
Why lipid- and protein-rich deposits form under the retina,and how they interfere with nutrient exchange and waste clearance.
8. Macular PigmentDepletion
How low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the macula’snatural protection from harmful blue light.
9. Photoreceptor Stress& Degeneration
How rods and cones lose support as RPE cells weaken,leading to functional vision loss.
10. Systemic &Epigenetic Influences
How factors like smoking, blood pressure, glucose, andinflammatory diet patterns shape AMD risk—regardless of genetics.
11. Genetic Susceptibility
Why genes such as CFH and ARMS2 affect a person’sunderlying vulnerability, and how lifestyle can interact with that geneticbackground.
Throughout the episode, you’ll also hear how certainnutrients—including saffron—have been studied for their potential roles insupporting retinal function, protecting photoreceptors, modulating oxidativestress, and influencing several pathways within this 11-point model.
This episode is designed for:
• individuals living with AMD
• caregivers and family members
• clinicians who want a simple framework to share with patients
• anyone curious about vision science and macular health
• listeners exploring nutritional and lifestyle strategies for long-term eyewellness
The AMD-11 Framework offers a clearer, more holistic viewof how AMD develops—and more importantly, highlights which pathways may beresponsive to lifestyle choices, nutritional support, and early monitoring.
If you want to explore the full written breakdown,diagrams, and references behind the model, visit the accompanying blog post:
👉 Read the fullarticle on Persavita.com
https://persavita.com/blogs/news/a-new-comprehensive-model-of-amd-mechanisms-and-modifiable-pathways
This episode aims to empower you with knowledge, clarity,and a more complete understanding of the retina’s biology.
Your vision matters, and so does understanding the sciencethat protects it.