As a specialist in diseases of the retina, I see first-hand the profound impact that Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) can have on a person’s life. It is the leading cause of vision loss for individuals over the age of 50 in the UK and understanding this condition is crucial for preserving your sight.
At Clarity Healthcare, we believe that early awareness and prompt intervention are the most powerful tools we have in managing AMD.
What Exactly Is Macular Degeneration?
To understand AMD, we must first look at the macula. The macula is a small, central area of the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This tiny area is responsible for your sharp, detailed central vision, the precision required for tasks like reading, recognising faces, and driving.
In AMD, the macula becomes damaged, resulting in the characteristic symptom: blurred or distorted central vision. Crucially, your peripheral (side) vision remains unaffected. While your overall vision may be intact, the damage to the macula impairs the visual precision needed for everyday activities, making them increasingly challenging as the disease progresses.
The Two Types of AMD
AMD is typically divided into two main forms:
- Dry AMD: This is the most common form, developing slowly over many years as cells in the macula are damaged by the build-up of waste deposits called drusen. Currently, there is no single medical treatment for Dry AMD, but lifestyle changes and certain vitamin supplements can help to slow its progression.
- Wet AMD: This form is less common but more severe. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the macula and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid and severe central vision loss. Although Wet AMD develops quickly, it is often treatable.
Treating Wet AMD: The Power of Intravitreal Injections
For patients with Wet AMD, timely treatment is key to stabilising or improving vision. As a medical retina specialist, my focus is on delivering modern, effective therapies, primarily through intravitreal injections.
An intravitreal injection involves delivering medication directly into the vitreous (the clear jelly inside the eye). These medications, known as anti-VEGF agents (such as Vabysmo, Eyelea, or Ximluci), work to stop the growth and leakage of the abnormal blood vessels.
While the idea of an injection in the eye might sound daunting, the procedure is quick, carefully managed, and often needs to be repeated over a course of months or years to maintain its effect. This treatment has revolutionised the management of Wet AMD, allowing many patients to maintain effective vision that would otherwise be lost.
Your Action Plan: Early Diagnosis and Holistic Care
The key to living well with or preventing the progression of AMD is a combination of awareness and action:
- Regular Eye Exams: Prompt diagnosis is essential. Ensure you have regular eye check-ups, especially if you are over 50.
- Monitor Your Vision: Be alert to any sudden changes, such as straight lines appearing wavy or a blank spot appearing in your central vision. If you notice a change, seek prompt medical attention.
- Address Risk Factors: Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for AMD. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in dark, leafy green vegetables and fish, alongside regular exercise, can also play a vital supportive role.
I always take a personalised approach to my patients, understanding their individual medical situation before discussing management options, which may include holistic care alongside medical interventions.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, please know that resources and support are available. The Macular Society and the RNIB provide excellent, up-to-date information on the condition, diet, local social groups, and ongoing research.
If you have any concerns about your central vision, please do not hesitate to book an appointment with a specialist at Clarity Healthcare.
