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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in the UK affecting older people and can cause a gradual or sudden change in vision in either eye. If you are ever concerned over visual changes, whether sudden or gradual, it is crucial to contact your Optometrist urgently.
AMD is a condition that affects the central part of the vision. It is caused by damage to the macular region of the eye, which is the part of the retina that provides your detailed vision. It doesn’t usually affect your peripheral (side) vision, so while objects in the centre of your vision may become difficult to see, your peripheral vision should not be affected.
There are two main types of AMD – dry and wet. Dry AMD is caused by a build-up of waste within the cells of the eye that react to light; these are called drusen. Drusen stop the cells from reacting properly to light. This in turn can lead to loss of retinal tissue, called geographic atrophy. This form of AMD usually develops slowly.
Wet AMD occurs when new, abnormal blood vessels grow at the macula. These vessels can be very leaky and cause unwanted fluid build-up and bleeding at the macula. If left untreated, over time the light-detecting cells at the macula lose their function. This process can start very suddenly.
Age is the main risk factor for developing AMD, with the disease being more common in people over 65. Smoking significantly increases the risk of getting macular degeneration, so stopping smoking earlier in life is the greatest change you can make to protect yourself from AMD. If you have a close relative with AMD, your risk of developing the condition is higher than the general population.
Ultraviolet (UV) light may also increase the risk of AMD. So, it is a good idea to always wear glasses that block or absorb UV light to reduce the likelihood of developing AMD. Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetables can help to protect your eyesight too: blueberries, kale, spinach and broccoli are some examples of foods containing nutrients that have been shown to help keep the eyes healthy.
To begin with, Dry AMD may have little effect on your vision. If the disease develops, your central vision may gradually become more blurred or distorted and it may become difficult to recognise faces and read things directly in front of you.
Wet AMD will normally cause distorted vision, with straight lines and edges such as door frames becoming wavy and distorted. Some people also notice a sudden blank spot in their central vision. These changes can happen quickly and people are advised to speak to their local optometrist if they ever notice a sudden loss of vision in either eye.
There is strong clinical evidence showing that the progression of Dry AMD can be slowed using an innovative treatment called Photobiomodulation. This treatment is offered at Haig-Brown Optometry. If you, or a loved one, has been diagnosed with Dry AMD, ask one of the team for further information.
If it is caught early, Wet AMD can be treated with regular injections into the eye. The injections work by stopping the growth of new blood vessels and can help to reduce the risk of the disease progressing, thus stabilising your vision.
If you notice any change in symptoms, you should contact your Optometrist immediately.