Macula Degeneration
Age Related Macula Degeneration (AMD) is the largest cause of blindness in the over 60's in the western world .Some estimates say that 25% of people over 60 years have some signs of AMD. The main symptom of AMD is loss of central vision.



The centre of the retina is called the Macula and this area is more densely populated with sensory cells than the peripheral retina, this allows much finer resolution and therefore it is the Macular or central vision that is used for reading, driving or other visually demanding tasks.

The exact causes of AMD are not clear but it generally involves a build up of waste material in and around the Retinal Pigment Epithelium layer of the Retina. This causes the cells within the RPE to die leading to a progressive loss of central vision.

Another side effect is a build up of scar tissue which can lead to more loss of vision.

There are two main forms of AMD: Dry and Wet.

Dry AMD is a slower and more progressive form of the disease. It can develop over a long period of time with a gradual loss of central vision in either one or both eyes.



Wet AMD is generally of quicker onset and will cause more serious blurring and distortion of central vision. This can cause a distortion of straight lines ( this is the basis of the Amsler Grid which is a test that is used in the diagnosis of the condition). The distortion of the vision is caused by fluid leaking from blood vessels in the macula area. This leakage can then cause a development of scar tissue.



Diagnosis
AMD is diagnosed during the eye by examining the retina with an Ophtalmoscope or taking Retinal Photographs. Changes in the levels of vision are also important as is use of the Amsler Grid (this can be used to differentiate between Wet and Dry forms of AMD). Flourescein Angiography (when a dye is injected into the blood stream to check for leakage of the vessels) is often also used in hospitals.

Treatment
In recent years a number of treatment strategies have been developed in order to help patients with Macular Degeneration. These include the pro-active use of Vitamin supplements and Photo-Dynamic Therapy which utilizes lasers to seal blood vessels and to help stop the progression of the disease. Further research is ongoing.

Routine Eye Examinations are important to ensure early diagnosis of the disease.

Astigmatism
Cataracts
Diabetes & Diabetic Retinopathy
Flashes & Floaters
Glaucoma
Hypermetropia (Long Sightedness)
Macula Degeneration
Myopia (Short Sightedness)
Presbyopia
Retinal Detachments & Retinal Tears