At the back of your eye, in the very centre of your retina, lies a small, oval-shaped area called the macula. It’s responsible for sharp, detailed central vision, achieved thanks to its high concentration of photoreceptor cells that detect fine details and colours.
That means your macula is essential for any activities that require focused vision – like reading, driving or recognising faces.
Like many other areas of your body, your macula can degenerate as you get older.
What is macular degeneration?
In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the macular deteriorates, leading to blurred or distorted vision.
AMD usually affects older adults and progresses with age, though it can sometimes appear in younger individuals due to genetic factors.
There are two main types of macular degeneration:
- Dry AMD (the most common type) occurs when the macula thins over time as part of the ageing process. It progresses slowly but can lead to significant vision loss over time.
- Wet AMD is less common but more aggressive. Symptoms appear suddenly and worsen quickly, reducing your central vision in one or both eyes. Prompt treatment is required to protect your vision.
Symptoms of macular degeneration
The symptoms of AMD vary depending on the type and stage of your condition. You may experience:
- Blurry or fuzzy central vision: In the early stages, you may notice that you need brighter light to see clearly or that you are struggling to focus on fine details.
- Distorted vision: Straight lines, such as door frames or roads, may appear wavy or bent.
- Dark spots in the central vision: As AMD progresses, small dark or blind spots may appear in the centre of the visual field.
- Difficulty recognising faces: This is often an early sign as AMD affects the ability to see details clearly.
- Changes in colour perception: Colours may appear faded or duller than usual.
What causes macular degeneration?
While the exact cause of AMD is unknown, several risk factors are associated with its development, including:
- Age: The risk of AMD increases with age, particularly once you’re over 50.
- Genetics: Macular degeneration is often hereditary. Genetic factors play a role in 70% of AMD cases. If you have a family history, get your eyes checked regularly!
- Smoking: Smokers are at a much higher risk of developing AMD compared to non-smokers.
- Diet: Diets low in antioxidants and high in saturated fats can increase the risk of AMD.
- High blood pressure: Hypertension may also contribute to the development of AMD.
Treatments for macular degeneration
While there is (as yet) no cure for macular degeneration, treatments can help slow its progression and may help to improve your vision.
Treatment for dry AMD
There is no specific treatment to reverse dry AMD, but certain measures can help slow its progression:
- Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet rich in leafy greens, fruits, and fish, as well as quitting smoking, can reduce the risk of progression.
- Dietary supplements: Certain vitamins and minerals may slow the progression of dry AMD.
- Regular monitoring: We recommend regular checkups to monitor any changes in your vision and detect early signs of progression to wet AMD.
Treatment for wet AMD
Wet AMD requires more urgent treatment to prevent severe vision loss:
- Anti-VEGF injections: The most common treatment for wet AMD involves injections to help reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels and stop leakage.
- Laser therapy: In some cases, laser treatments can be used to destroy abnormal blood vessels and prevent further vision loss.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT): This treatment combines a light-activated drug with a special laser to close abnormal blood vessels without damaging surrounding tissue.
How can we help?
Your eyesight is precious and deserves the best care. Macular degeneration can have a significant impact on your vision and quality of life.
At OKKO Eye Specialist Centre, we support you through:
- Regular eye checks – frequency determined by your personalised risk of AMD based on your family history or symptoms
- Advice on reducing your risk or slowing AMD progression through lifestyle and dietary changes
- Treatment to manage your symptoms, preserve vision and slow disease progression.
- Reassurance, guidance and ongoing support.
If you or a loved one is experiencing changes in central vision, please book a consultation at OKKO Eye Specialists for a comprehensive eye exam and outstanding, personalised treatment.
Disclaimer
All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmologists, Macula, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/anatomy/macula-6, [Accessed 11 October 2024]
- Mayo Clinic, Dry macular degeneration, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-macular-degeneration/symptoms-causes/syc-20350375#dialogId53203751, [Accessed 11 October 2024]
- Mayo Clinic, Wet macular degeneration, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wet-macular-degeneration/symptoms-causes/syc-20351107, [Accessed 11 October 2024]
- Macular Disease Foundation Australia, Risk factors for AMD, https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/about-macular-disease/age-related-macular-degeneration/risk-factors-for-amd/#, [Accessed 11 October 2024]
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, Laser photocoagulation for age-related macular degeneration, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/laser-photocoagulation-for-agerelated-macular-degeneration, [Accessed 11 October 2024]
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, Photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/photodynamic-therapy-for-agerelated-macular-degeneration, [Accessed 11 October 2024]
