Types of AMD
There are 2 types of AMD, both of which only affect the central vision, leaving the peripheral vision unaffected, so do not lead to total loss of sight.
Both types of AMD are more prevalent in patients of advancing age; and those that smoke are twice as likely to develop AMD.
Dry age-related macular degeneration
Dry AMD, which accounts for 90% of all AMD, is due to wear and tear on the macula causing it to go wrinkly or patchy caused by the build up of waste products (drusen) from the metabolism of the receptor cells. These drusen stop the cells from working properly and over time produce “dead” patches of macula called Geographic Atrophy. Dry AMD usually develops slowly and vision gradually goes blurry or patchy.Wet age-related macular degeneration
Wet AMD accounts for only around 10% of all AMD and is caused by unwanted new blood vessels growing underneath the macula which leak blood causing damage to the cells. This is a more sudden onset and causes distorted or wavy lines or a blind spot in the central vision.
AMD is the most common cause of visual loss in the UK accounting for a whopping 48% of people registered with sight loss. It affects 600,000 people in the UK and is projected to double by 2050
Treatment and Aftercare
Dry AMD: There are currently no NHS treatment options in the UK, although advice on lifestyle changes is thought to help. Protecting your eyes from the sun with good quality sunglasses to keep damaging UV rays out of the eye, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and stopping smoking may all help to keep your eyes as healthy as possible.
Wet AMD: Injections into the eye (Intra vitreal injections) to stop the growth and leakage of the new blood vessels has been found to be very successful in stabilizing visual loss. Injections of Lucentis, Eylea or Avastin are administered every 6 weeks.
Living with AMD:
Good lighting, especially daylight lights, and magnifiers are available from our practices and help with visual loss caused by AMD.
The local charity, My Sight, based in Hockley runs support groups and has an excellent range of visual aids.
Charles Bonnet Syndrome: This can be a possible side effect of AMD, whereby patients see visual hallucinations of objects (e.g people, flowers, animals in the room). It is due to the brain trying to “fill in” the gaps left in the patchy central macular area. Although it can be quite disturbing, it is reassuring to know it is relatively common and not a sign of mental illness.
If you are concerned about your eyesight or experience any sudden changes in vision then please phone to speak to our experienced staff.