Macular Degeneration

A.M.D

WHAT IS IT?

A.M.D. - Age-related macular degeneration is a painless eye

condition that leads to the gradual loss of central vision but can sometimes cause a rapid reduction in vision.

Affects up to 500,000 people worldwide to some degree.

A.M.D

• There are two types:

• Dry

• Wet

DRY A.M.D.

Dry A.M.D. is when the cells of the macula become damaged as a result of a build-up of

waste products called Drusen. Drusen are tiny accumulations of extracellular

material ………

It is the most common and least serious type of A.M.D. counting for around nine out of 10 cases.

WET A.M.D.

Wet A.M.D. develops when abnormal blood vessels form underneath the macula and

damage its cells.

Wet A.M.D. is more serious and without treatment, vision can deteriorate within days.

P Neary

WHO IS AT RISK?

• People over 60 years old

• Women are more susceptible than men

• Caucasians are far more at risk

Who is at risk

• Light coloured eyes

• Smokers

• Cardiovascular problems

SYMPTOMS OF A.M.D.Straight or bendy lines may start to appear

distorting the center of vision

Dark, blurry areas or a white or grey shadow appears in the center of vision

Diminished or changed color perceptionVisual hallucinations - may include unusual

patterns or shapes, animals, faces

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

As soon as you recognise the symptoms

Catching the symptoms of A.M.D. early is your best bet for slow the onset of the disease

HOW TO AVOID A.M.D.

ALWAYS wear UV-absorbing glasses when outside

Stop smoking

Eat a healthy diet high with plenty of fruit and vegetables

Moderate your consumption of alcohol

Try to maintain a healthy weight

Dry A.M.D

• There is no treatment to cure Dry A.M.D • Vitamins can help to slow the effects• Healthy controlled diet• There are low vision aids to help those

affected – Magnifying glasses designed for loss of central

vision– Computers and digital screens– Reverse prism lenses.

How Wet A.M.D is treated

• Anti-VEGF medication via injection

• Laser surgery to destroy abnormal blood vessels

• Early diagnosis is essential

Long term effects

• Loss of central vision

• Inability to read, sew, recognise peoples faces.

• Depth perception

• Problems driving

• Watching television.

• Straight lines become curvy.

Testing for A.M.D. at home

• The Amsler square– Used daily– Check for alterations.

• The “Face” test– In the bathroom mirror, close one eye and look at

your face. Repeat with the other eye.

The image on the left is a Normal Amsler square

The one on the right is an altered sight square

Advances in tecnology

• The Low vision society in Spain, along with visual aids now have special filter that protects from the blue light pollution caused from LED lights. CSR lenses

• The filters slow the process and can help prevent A.M.D for LED light Users

• Stem cell implantation in the Macular (studies)