Macular Degeneration

Age related macular degeneration, also known as macular degeneration, is a chronic disease affecting the macula. The macula is a small area in the centre of the retina at the back of the eye responsible for central vision.

Macular degeneration causes central vision loss. Macular degeneration doesn’t cause total blindness because it doesn’t affect your peripheral vision.

There are two types of macular degeneration:

• Dry macular degeneration affects about 85-90% of people with the condition. It develops slowly and causes gradual vision loss. It is caused by the gradual loss of cells in the macula.
• Dry macular degeneration affects about 85-90% of people with the condition. It develops slowly and causes gradual vision loss. It is caused by the gradual loss of cells in the macula.

Risk factors for macular degeneration

It isn’t known why some people develop macular degeneration while others don’t. However, risk factors that can increase your risk of developing the disease include:

• Being over 55 years old
• Having a family history of macular degeneration
• Smoking
• Having cardiovascular disease
• Having high cholesterol

Symptoms of macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is a progressive disease. This means it will usually get worse over time. Symptoms can include one or all of the following:

• Distortion, where straight lines appear bent or wavy
• Reduction in central vision
• A blurry or dark spot in your central vision
• The need for brighter lighting or difficulty adapting to low lights
• The need for brighter lighting or difficulty adapting to low lights
• Difficulty reading or doing activities that require fine central vision

Treatment for macular degeneration

There is currently no treatment available for dry macular degeneration.

However, there are treatment options available for wet macular degeneration to help stabilise vision. These include anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels in the macula. This is delivered in the form of an injection into the eye. Many patients require ongoing treatment to prevent vision loss.