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07
Feb
Eyecare, Guides

Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Guide

Posted on by Samuel Deakin

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects the middle part of your vision.

It is more common from the age of 60, and is the leading cause of vision loss for older adults.

Whilst AMD does not cause total blindness, it can make everyday activities like reading and recognising faces difficult. Without treatment, your vision may get worse. This can either happen gradually over several years (dry AMD) or quickly over a few days or weeks (wet AMD).

The exact cause of AMD is unknown; however, it has been linked to age, smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight, and having a family history of AMD.

 

Symptoms of AMD

AMD affects the middle, or central, part of your vision. It will not affect your peripheral vision. You can get it in one eye or both.

AMD is a progressive disease, that means symptoms will typically get worse over time.

Symptoms include:

  • Seeing straight lines as wavy or crooked.
  • Blurred vision when looking directly at something.
  • Colours seeming less bright than they used to.
  • Seeing things that are not there (hallucinations).

Sometimes AMD may be found during a routine eye test before you have symptoms. This is why booking in for eye tests regularly is crucial.

When getting diagnosed for AMD, an optometrist will look at the back of your eyes and check your vision.

 

Types of AMD

There are two types of AMD you should be aware of:

Dry AMD (Atrophic AMD)

Dry AMD is caused by a build-up of a fatty substance called drusen at the back of the eyes. This is the more common type of AMD.

There are 3 stages of Dry AMD: early, intermediate, and late.

Dry AMD will get worse gradually, usually over several years. There is no treatment unless it develops into Wet AMD.

Wet AMD (Neovascular AMD)

Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels at the back of the eyes. This is the less common type of AMD.

Wet AMD can get worse quickly, sometimes in days or weeks. There is treatment available to help stop your vision from getting worse.

 

Treatment for Wet AMD

 The main treatment for Wet AMD is eye injections.

Eye Injections

  • Injections given directly into the eyes.
  • Stops vision getting worse in 9 out of 10 people and improves vision in 3 out of 10 people.
  • Usually given every 1, 2, or 3 months for as long as necessary.
  • Drops numb the eyes before treatment – most people have minimal discomfort.
  • Side effects include feeling like there’s something in the eye, and redness and irritation of the eye.

Who is at Risk of AMD?

You risk of AMD increases as you get older. People age 60 and older are more likely to have AMD. The risk of AMD is also higher for people who:

  • Have a family history of AMD.
  • Are Caucasian.

How Can I Lower my Risk of AMD?

According to research, you may be able to lower your risk of AMD by:

  • Quitting smoking or just not starting.
  • Exercising regularly.
  • Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
  • Eating healthy foods, including leafy green vegetables and fish.

OCT and AMD

OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is an imaging scan that uses light waves to take detailed images of the eye. Optometrists can use it to diagnose many eye conditions, including macular degeneration.

During an OCT scan, light waves take cross-sectional images of the retina. This allows an optometrist to see the retina layers and measure their thickness, which can help them when making a diagnosis.

OCT can show changes to the retina and biomarkers that may indicate AMD. Optometrists may use OCT scans to diagnose AMD and monitor how the treatment is working.

How Does AMD Look on an OCT Scan?

An OCT scan can measure the thickness of the retina and identify any fluid filled areas. OCT scans also examine the choroid, a layer of tissue between the sclera – the white outer layer – and the retina at the back of the eye. The choroid contains blood vessels that supply the eye with nutrients and oxygen.

Images from an OCT scan can show:

  • Drusen, small deposits of protein and lipids that collect under the retina.
  • The structure of the retina.
  • Any new or abnormal blood vessels.
  • Any bleeding within the eye.

 

If you’re a member of our OptiPlan scheme, you will receive a free OCT scan every 6 months to monitor your eyes.

Speak to your optometrist about a referral to a low-vision clinic if you’re having difficulties with daily activities.

If your vision continues to get worse, you might want to consider registering your sight loss. This can help make it easier to claim financial benefits, such as help with health costs.

The Macular Society has information you might find useful. It also has a helpline on 0300 3030 111.