Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

The macula allows us to see fine detail for activities such as reading, recognising faces, watching television and driving. It also helps us to see colour.

As we get older, the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision) can begin to break down, causing blurred vision.

Age-related macular degeneration signs include the appearance of small yellow deposits called drusen, which form under the retina. These are accumulated waste products which, as they get larger, stop the flow of nutrients to the retina and cause the layer of supporting cells beneath it to become very thin.

When cells in this layer die, the overlying macula degenerates and loses its visual function.

Driving safely with the condition is one of many considerations for people who get age related macular degeneration.

There are two main types of AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is classified into two types—dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular or exudative)—because they represent distinct pathological processes affecting the retina.

The extent of the degeneration may be different in each eye and may not progress at the same rate.

Dry AMD

Dry AMD (atrophic macular degeneration) is the most common type of AMD, accounting for around 90% of all cases. The cells of the macula slowly break down, causing vision to become blurred.

Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be affected more in one eye than the other and it affects central rather than peripheral vision.

Over time, sometimes many years, the disease process can worsen, with more of the macula being affected. This advanced form is called geographic atrophy.

Learn more about how Optegra can help with Dry AMD. Treatment of age-related macular degeneration will depend on whether it is the wet or dry type.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD (exudative macular degeneration) accounts for around 10% of all AMD cases. It is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. These new blood vessels leak fluid into the retina and cause rapid onset of distorted vision and scarring at the back of the eye.

If left untreated this results in retinal tissue  deterioration , leaving a central blind spot. Treatment can preserve but not restore vision at this stage. Treatments include anti-VEGF treatments at regular intervals usually between four to eight weeks until the macula is stable.

Most AMD patients start with the dry form with 10% of people developing the wet form. Although the wet type is less common it tends to be more aggressive, causing greater and more rapid visual loss.

You can learn more about wet vs dry macular degeneration on our blog.

The causes of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is currently unknown. However, researchers do know that the triggers are complex and are related to both hereditary and environmental factors.

Scientists are aware of what can increase your risk of developing macular degeneration. Some factors that can increase your risk of the eye condition are:

• If you are over 65 years of age – age is the main risk factor for developing AMD
• If you carry specific genes and you have a family history of the eye condition – although there is rarely a hereditary pattern, it is known that people with a family history of macular degeneration have an increased chance of developing the condition
• If you are either a smoker or are regularly exposed to smoke – in several studies, smoking has been linked to the development of AMD. It has been shown that stopping smoking can reduce the risk of AMD developing.
• If you have had a disease which affects your heart and blood vessels – studies have shown that high blood pressure is linked to the likelihood of developing AMD.
• If your diet is low in leafy green vegetable – research has shown that people who have a poor diet and have a low intake of antioxidants may be at an increased risk of developing AMD. Excessive alcohol consumption may also deplete the levels of antioxidants in the body.

The Treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Optegra offers treatment for wet AMD providing excellent care and clinical outcomes. If you have Dry AMD, Optegra offers treatments that may be able to help, specifically if you’re seeking to have laser eye surgery with AMD, you can find information about this on our blog.

How Can I Reduce the Risk of AMD?

There are multiple lifestyle choices that can reduce this risk.

Regular exercise improves general cardiovascular health, which supports good eye health by increasing blood flow to the retina. Dietary choices are important too. Make sure you eat plenty of leafy greens, fruits and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish). Keep your eyes protected from excessive exposure to sunlight by wearing sunglasses with UV protection. And, of course, don’t smoke! Smoking is a major risk factor for AMD. And, lastly, get regular eye exams to detect any signs of AMD as early as possible, especially if you have a family history of AMD, this can help manage the symptoms and disease earlier.

If you have been diagnosed with AMD you can use an amsler grid to monitor your symptoms. Sticking it on the fridge or a convenient place, you can check your eyes regularly.

Once you have the chart in front of you, here are the instructions on using:

• Wear your reading glasses
• Hold the chart about 15 inches away from your eye
• Close one eye and look at the central dot
• Note any wavy lines, distortion or fuzziness
• Repeat with the other eye

You should tell your optometrist as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

• A blurred or grey patch in your vision
• Straight lines appearing distorted
• Objects appearing smaller than normal

What Next? Get in Touch.

If you are concerned about your chances of developing macular degeneration, get in touch with an eye specialist. An eye doctor will be able to provide you with the right information, and the best steps for you to take, to decrease your chances of developing macular generation.

Contact us to get help with your AMD.