Macular Degeneration
Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments
What is Macular Degeneration ?
The macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision, essential for reading, driving and recognising faces. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in Australia and usually affects people over 50, in two forms: dry AMD, a slower, gradual loss of vision, and wet AMD, which involves abnormal blood vessel growth and can cause rapid vision loss if untreated.
Symptoms
Some of the typical symptoms of ARMD:
- Difficulty reading or doing fine vision tasks like sewing
- Distorted vision where straight lines appear ‘bent’ or ‘wavy’
- Difficulty distinguishing faces
- Black spot noted in your central vision
- The need for increased illumination
- Poor night vision and colour sensitivity
Diagnosis
ARMD can only be diagnosed by examining the retina. Early stages of ARMD can be detected by using the Amsler Grid. Ask your eye care professional for one as early detection of ARMD is crucial.
Treatment
Dry MD:
- Lifestyle changes can slow progression.
- The dry form can turn into the wet form, changes must be reported immediately.
Wet MD:
- Intravitreal Injections – a painless procedure where anti-VEGF drugs are injected into the eye to block the protein responsible for the growth of new blood vessels, administered at four week intervals.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) – combines a light-activated drug and the light from a cold laser on to the abnormal retinal area, causing blood vessel to close off. PDT may need several treatments.
- Laser Photocoagulation – a concentrated beam of high energy thermal light directed on to the retina to destroy and seal leaky blood vessels. Only suitable to a small percentage with close monitoring needed as there is a 50% recurrence rate.
Outcomes
Modern treatments discussed above, support and maintain good vision for patients with macular degeneration. It is important to contact us if you notice any sudden changes to your vision.
Patients and their family or carers may wish to visit Macular Disease Foundation for more information and resources about Macular Degeneration.
