Age-Related Macular Degeneration or AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people aged 65 or over. AMD Occurs when the Macular, the part of the eye responsible for central vision stops working. This usually happens gradually over time.
Video Simulation of Macular Degeneration
Symptoms
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration include:-
- Straight lines such as door frames and lampposts may appear distorted or bent
- Vision may become blurry or develop gaps
- Objects in front of you may change shape, size, colour or seem to move or disappear
- Dark spots, such as a smudge on glasses, could appear in the centre of your vision
- Colours can fade
- You may find bright light glaring and uncomfortable
- You may find it difficult to adapt from dark to light environment
- Words might disappear when you are reading
Types of AMD
There are two types of Macular Degeneration, Wet MD and Dry MD. Dry MD causes a gradual deterioration in vision over several years as the cells of the Macular naturally die off but are not replaced. Around 15% of people with Dry MD will go on to develop Wet MD.
In Wet MD abnormal blood vessels grow into the macular and cause scarring. Wet MD can cause a sudden deterioration in vision if these vessels bleed. However, it can be treated if caught quickly.
MD only affects the central vision, so patients will still be able to see using their peripheral or side vision