Macular Degeneration |
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The retina is the back surface inside the eye ball. The retina contains millions of light sensing cells called photoreceptors. These receptors are concentrated in the centre of the retina, which is called the macula. The macular is responsible for fine detailed vision we need to read.
Macular degeneration happens when there is damage to these light sensing cells.
Macular degeneration accounts for almost 50% of all visual impairment in the developed world. It usually affects people over 50 years of age and is known as age-related macular degeneration (ARMD or AMD).
Macular disease can affect younger people. This are often termed as 'macular dystrophy' and may run in families. This type of macular degeneration is rare. Macular degeneration can also be caused by eye injury, infection or inflammation. Diabetes can also cause macular disease.
There are two types of AMD, wet and dry. Wet-type AMD produces new vessels that leak and cause oedemas (a build up of fluids). This type can be treated with Anti-VEGF injections into the eye.
Dry-type AMD does not produce new vessels. Some patients have benefited from the insertion of VIP lenses for this condition
How will my sight be affected?
Initially only one eye may be affected and symptoms in the early stages may not be noticed since one good eye can mask the sight problem of the other eye. You may notice the central part of your vision is reduced, seeing the outline of a face but not the features, straight lines may appear wavy or misshapen, judging distances and heights becomes difficult, you may find it difficult to match similar shades of the same colour, you may find you need better lighting. In general, you will have little problem walking from one place to another although crossing busy roads may be more difficult.
You will have difficulty reading, watching television, recognising faces at a distance, or sorting out change, any activity where detailed vision is necessary.
Will I go blind?
AMD alone does not result in total blindness. Only the central (reading) vision is affected and the surrounding vision remains normal. Useful side vision that allows you to see to get around is retained in both forms of AMD.
You can find more information on the following websites:
Royal National Institute for the Blind - www.rnib.org.uk
Macular Disease Society - www.maculardisease.org
iSIGHT offers an extensive range of clinical services for patients with retinal problems, please contact us for more information.
Treatments for this condition include: