Macular Degeneration
Macula Degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a condition that causes progressive damage to the macula located at the back of the eye.
Macula Degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a condition that causes progressive damage to the macula located at the back of the eye.
AMD is a disease of the macula which is responsible for our sharpest central vision. It tends to affect people over the age of 55 and it starts out with a gradual deterioration in central vision which is not correctable with spectacles.
There are 2 types of AMD; dry and wet. The commoner dry type affects vision very gradually (usually over years) whereas the wet type can cause rapid deterioration in central vision in the form of distortion or a central dark patch (scotoma). The dry type can switch to the wet type at any time.
There is currently no curative treatment for the dry type of AMD although plenty of research is looking for potential therapies which may become possible in the future.
Wet AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessels that grow under the macula which leak fluid or blood that can cause damage and scarring to the sensitive structures in the macula. We now have treatment that can dry up the fluid and blood and protect the macula from scarring which reduces vision. The medication has to be delivered through the white of the eye into the vitreous cavity which sits in front of the retina. This has been shown in numerous clinical trials to be the most effective treatment for wet AMD. The drug gets absorbed over a few weeks and therefore the injections have to be repeated, initially on a monthly basis which can then be extended depending on the response.
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Macula Degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a condition that causes progressive damage to the macula located at the back of the eye. The macula is responsible for your central vision, as a result, macular degeneration can cause blurry central vision. There are two types of AMD: wet and dry macular degeneration
There are currently no treatments for dry macular degeneration, however, your Opthalmologist may discuss certain dietary/lifestyle changes that improve the health of the macula. Your Opthalmologist may recommend the use of antioxidants and nutritional supplements that studies have shown to reduce progression to advanced stages of macular degeneration.
In majority of cases, wet macular degeneration, can be treated with anti-VEGF injections, which stops the new abnormal blood vessels from growing and leaking. You may require regular injections to stabilise vision and prevent further decline.
At Adelaide Eye Surgeons, our aim is to provide all South Australians with the best care for their eyes. We are experts in proven, advanced surgical treatments utilising modern technology. We specialise in cataract, cornea, glaucoma, laser and retinal surgery."
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