Age-Related Macular Degeneration

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-Related Macular Degeneration, often abbreviated as ‘AMD’, is a chronic, irreversible eye condition. AMD damages the retina, resulting in loss of vision in the centre of the visual field. AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in people 50 years and older.

There are two types of AMD – dry AMD and wet AMD.

Dry AMD: the more common form of AMD. It occurs when light-sensitive cells in the macula (the central area of the retina) gradually break down with age, slowly causing loss of vision.

Wet AMD: is less common than dry AMD – it is estimated that only around 1 out of 5 people with AMD have wet AMD. Furthermore, it usually develops in people who already have dry AMD. Studies have shown that people who smoke are 4 times more likely to develop wet AMD [1].

Wet AMD is caused by growth of blood vessels under the retina in the macula. Because they leak substances such as blood, fluids, lipids and proteins, these small abnormal blood vessels disrupt the normal structure of the retina, form scar tissue, and cause loss of central vision. In the absence of prompt treatment, wet AMD can cause significant vision loss within a short period of time.

What Causes Age-Related Macular Degeration?

Known risk factors of AMD include:

Age: a study found that 1 in 4 Singaporeans aged 60 and above suffer from AMD [2]
Cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and obesity
Having a family history of AMD
Smoking

What Are The Symptoms of AMD?

Oftentimes, early stages of AMD do not present symptoms. However, as AMD progresses, known symptoms include:

Loss of contrast sensitivity in vision
Problems differentiating colours
Gradual or rapid blurring of central vision
Missing or blank spots in vision
Following exposure to bright light, slow recovery of vision
Distortion of vision (see Amsler Grid below)

Amsler Grid

With normal vision, the grid appears uniform, without gaps or distortion, with the lines being entirely straight (left). In contrast, an eye with AMD will view it as shown on the right.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment

Due to the severe and irreversible impacts of AMD, it is necessary to seek immediate treatment.

For wet AMD, your doctor may prescribe supplements to slow down progression of the disease in the eye.

Treatment options for dry AMD include:

Intravitreal injections: medications are injected into the eye to block the growth of abnormal block vessels (Eyelea, Lucentis)
Photodynamic lasers and laser photocoagulation (Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation)

Is There Any Way To Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

There is no known way of preventing AMD. However, early detection and treatment is crucial in preventing vision loss. Regular eye examinations are important. If you fall within any of the high risk groups mentioned, it is best to schedule an eye check once every year. If you would like to book an appointment with us, please contact us at 6470 3366 or book an appointment.