Macular Degeneration |
What is Macular Degeneration?Macular degeneration is the collective term for over 1,500 conditions, which affect central vision by damage to the macula, a small area of the retina at the back of the eye.
Macular degeneration is the most common form of visual impairment in the UK and throughout the developed world and in the UK is common amongst the over 75's where the age related form, AMD, affects around one in three people over that age.
 In Hampshire nearly 70% of all registered blind and partially sighted people are over 75 (National Statistics 2003)
The retina is a very thin tissue that lines the back of the eye and contains the light-sensing cells that send visual signals to the brain.
Sharp, clear central vision is processed by the macular (also sometimes called the fovea), which is found in the central part of the retina and is about the size of a grain of rice.
AMD occurs when the layer of the retina that nourishes the macula's light sensitive cells, and act to carry away waste products, starts to function less effectively with age.
Cells in the macula break down, causing loss of sight in the central part of the field of vision but leaving the side vision, known as peripheral vision, unaffected.
The Macula is the area of the retina used for central vision and fine detail (reading, watching TV, recognising faces, driving).
AMD usually starts in one eye and is highly likely to affect the other eye at a later stage.
TypesThere are two main forms of Macular Degeneration Wet and Dry.
The Dry form is the most common; the macular thins and gradually loses function.
The Wet form is so called because it is caused by blood vessel behind the Macula leaking and causing scar tissue to form. This form is a lot less common but is more damaging as it tends to progress more rapidly. This can be treated by laser to cauterise the blood vessels but it only stops the progression, it cannot reverse the damage.
Signs and symptoms. The first symptom is often straight lines become wavy; a doorframe might take on a strange shape.
Other symptoms can include;
- Loss of the ability to see objects clearly
- Loss of clear and correct colour vision
- Difficulty reading
- Central vision blocked by a dark area
Eventually activities like reading, driving and recognising people become impossible.
However, AMD is painless and it never affects the vision at the edge of the eye so it does not lead to total blindness.
Most people are still able to get about and - with some support - retain their independence.
CausesThe exact causes are still unknown.
Risk factors include;
- Studies have shown a definite link to smoking.
- High blood pressure and poor diet may increase the risk.
- It would also seem to run in some families so if some relatives have suffered loss of sight then you should get your eyes checked more often.
- A history of heart disease or lung infection
- A light complexion
TreatmentThere is no treatment for Age related Macular Degeneration.
The symptoms can be helped by the use of Low Vision Aids. |
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 Sight loss
Sight Loss and Registration
Sight loss
Cataracts
Diabetic Retinopathy
Glaucoma
Macular Degeneration
Retinitis Pigmentosa
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