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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss for people over the age of 50 in the western world. It occurs when the delicate cells of the macula – the small, central part of the retina responsible for the centre of our field of vision – become damaged and stop working.
Types of AMD
There are two types of AMD: The ‘dry’ form and the more severe ‘wet’ form. Dry AMD is the more common, developing gradually over time and usually causing only mild loss of vision. The wet form accounts for only 10 % to 15% of all AMD cases, but the risk of sight loss is much greater. Because macular degeneration is an age-related process, it usually involves both eyes, although they may not be affected at the same time.
Under 19s can also suffer from an inherited form of macular degeneration called macular dystrophy. Sometimes several members of a family will suffer from this condition. If this is the case, getting regular eye tests is absolutely crucial for monitoring the condition.
Symptoms of age-related macular degeneration
AMD is not painful and never leads to total blindness because only the central vision is affected. This means that almost everyone with AMD will have enough side (or peripheral) vision to get around and retain their independence.
In the early stages of AMD, central vision may be blurred or distorted and things may look an unusual size or shape. This may happen quickly or develop over several months – however, if only one eye is affected, it may not be noticeable. People with AMD may also become sensitive to light or find it harder to distinguish colours. The macula enables people to see fine detail so those with an advanced form of the condition will often notice a blank patch or dark spot in the centre of their sight. This makes activities like reading, writing and recognising faces very difficult.
Who is at risk of AMD?
The cause of AMD is unknown but several factors appear to increase the risk. These include smoking, a high-fat diet and excessive sun exposure. Risk also increases with advancing age and may be more common in those with a family history of AMD. The incidence is higher among women and those with light skin or eye colour.
How do optometrists test for AMD?
Optometrists have an important role to play in detecting and monitoring AMD. They will check your standard of vision and examine the macula for signs of the disease at routine eye examinations. If AMD is suspected, your optometrist may put drops into your eyes to widen the pupils and get a better view of the retina. This will help them to determine whether or not there are any signs that the condition is present.
Early detection is essential to treating some types of AMD, and at Eyesite we use the most advanced technology, (OCT), which is included in our Advanced Gold eye exam, to detect and diagnose as early as possible. Following your eye test, your optometrist will advise you on whether you need to be referred to a GP or hospital for medical advice. If your vision is affected by AMD, you may be given stronger glasses or special magnifiers to help you see more clearly.
AMD treatment
There is currently no treatment for dry AMD but the wet form can be treated in several ways. The most common form of treatment now is with an injection into the eye of an Anti-VEGF drug, commonly Lucentis. An alternative is laser treatment, that can also be used to slow or halt the progression of abnormal blood vessels. These are simple procedures that can be carried out on an outpatient basis.
There is evidence that improving your diet by eating fresh fruits and dark green leafy vegetables may delay or reduce the severity of AMD. Some studies show that taking nutritional supplements may be effective in slowing the progression of the condition, although they do not prevent its initial development nor improve vision already lost (AMD Alliance).
Regular eye tests are essential for detecting early signs of AMD. If you’re at risk of developing the condition, book an eye test at your local Eyesite practice today.