Macular Degeneration
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative condition of the central retina (Macula). It is the one of the most common cause of vision loss in those 50 or older.
AMD is caused by hardening of the arteries that nourish the retina. The diminishing supply of oxygen and nutrients causes the central vision loss.
There are 2 types of AMD. Dry (non-neovascular) and Wet (neovascular). About 10% of AMD patients suffer from Wet AMD.
Wet AMD sufferers develop new vessels in the retina to improve the blood supply to oxygen-deprived retinal tissue. These vessels are very delicate and bleed easily, causing damage to the surrounding vessels.
What causes macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration may be caused by a number of factors. Genetics, age, nutrition, smoking, sunlight exposure may play a role.
- Central vision loss. Gradual loss of vision for those with dry type. Sudden loss of vision usually associate with patients with the wet type
- Difficulty in reading or performing tasks that require the ability to see detail
- Distorted vision such as straight lines looks wavy or bent.
Detection
A thorough eye examination is necessary to diagnose AMD. An eye examination for AMD, including vision testing, Ophthalmoscopy, Amsler grip test, fudus camera and fluorescein angiography are commaonly performed.
Specialist equipment such as OCT may be used to aid fast and accurate diagnosis of AMD
Treatment
There is no proven treatment for dry type. Wet type can be treated effectively by laser photocoagulation. Recently, photodynamic therapy such as Lucentis, Avastin and Macugen has proven to be effective in stopping the abnormal vessel growth in some patients.
Early detection is critical for successful outcome of wet AMD. |
