Macular Degeneration: What is AMD?

Macular Degeneration or Age Related Macular Degeneration (also known as AMD or ARMD) is a medical condition which results in the loss of vision in the centre of a person’s visual field. The Macula is responsible for central vision and it enables us to see objects directly in front of us. It also enables us in activities such as seeing fine details, reading, writing, interpreting colours, making out facial features and shapes. With this medical condition, the cells within the macula deteriorate causing varying amounts of blurred vision and varying loss of central vision.

Macular Degeneration tends to occur as people grow older. As it is an age related condition, it may affect eyesight in both eyes, although not to the same degree. AMD is a major cause of visual impairment in adults above the age of 55 years. For patients aged 66 to 74 years, close to 10% will have diagnoses of macular degeneration. For patients of 75 to 85 years of age, this increases to 30%. Research also shows that there is also a four-fold increased chance of Age Related Macular Degeneration in people who have relatives with AMD versus people who don’t. So genetics do have a part to play, and family history can be a good indicator of the chances of occurrence. There are numerous other health factors which increase the risk of developing AMD. These risk factors are listed below.

Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration

The greatest risk factor for macular degeneration is age. As explained earlier, the risk of getting AMD increases from 2% for people between the ages of 40~55 to 30% for people over the age of 75 years. Some other risk factors include

Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing AMD

Obesity: There may be a link between obesity and the progression of the disease to advanced stages.

Race: Caucasian or fair skinned people are more likely to love vision from AMD than darker races.

Family History: Immediate family members with AMD are strong indicators of a high risk of AMD development.

Gender: Women have a higher risk to be afflicted by macular degeneration.

Types of AMD

There are two types of AMD which occur, Dry AMD and Wet AMD. Dry AMD is the most commonly occurring type of macular degeneration. It occurs very gradually over many years and is caused by the degeneration of the retinal cells. Wet AMD accounts for 1 in 10 cases of AMD. It develops quickly and is caused by the growth of new blood vessels behind the retina which may be fragile and leak fluid and blood. Wet AMD progresses rapidly and cause rapid vision loss.

Detection of AMD

While there is no complete cure for age, early detection of macular degeneration can help reduce its progression. While it does not cause total blindness as peripheral vision remains unimpeded, it may impede your ability to drive. At some stage, it may advance far enough to cause legal blindness. At that stage, one cannot drive legally, thereby becoming a major hindrance in one's life.

It is imperative that you get your eye test carried out by a qualified optometrist at the first signs of macular degeneration. Remember, Dry AMD and Wet AMD do not cause any pain. In cases of Dry AMD, the most common early sign is blurred vision, or a small but growing blindspot in the middle of your field of vision. For Wet AMD, the earliest symptom is that straight lines appear crooked as a result of fluid from leaking blood vessels lifting the macula. Remember, at the earliest sign of trouble, get your eye sight examined as macular degeneration cannot be treated once it has advanced. To have your eyes checked for macular degeneration, you can call into our branches in Blanchardstown or Rathmines. You can also carry out a quick self-check to check if you may have symptoms of macular degeneration.

Treatment

Based on your diagnosis, we can prescribe vitamins supplements and provide other nutritional guidance reduce the progression of dry AMD and improve visual acuity. For wet AMD, we can direct you towards treatments with new drugs called anti-angiogenics or anti-VEGF (anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor). Alternatively, we can also refer you on to specialists for further advice and treatments.

At Mairead O’Leary Opticians, we understand the importance of eyesight and can relate to the effect vision loss can have on one’s life. Our experienced and qualified staff will help you understand the problems involved and guide you with consideration and empathy. We will aim to minimise the effects in your day-to-day life from macular degeneration. Call in to our branches at Rathmines or Blanchardstown and allow us help you find a way to carry on life as normal.