Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe and permanent vision loss in patients over the age of 60. AMD occurs when a small area of the retina called the macula wears down and thins, causing the cells within the macula to deteriorate and as a result causing blurred or reduced central vision, the macula is responsible for clear vision in your direct line of sight, e.g. it enables people to see fine details, to read, write and make out facial features and shapes. Macular Degeneration can affect one or both eyes. The exact causes of AMD are unknown, it is thought that as we get older the macula degenerates therefore affecting vision. Some contributing factors of macular degeneration include age, diet, light exposure, obesity, family history, smoking and diabetes.
There are two types of Macular Degeneration:
Dry Macular Degeneration - This is the most common type of AMD, responsible for 80-90% of all cases. This occurs when cells within the macula wear down over time, gradually blurring central vision. Patients may experience difficulty recognizing faces and may require more light to read and perform other daily tasks. Over time, Dry Macular Degeneration may develop into Wet Macular Degeneration.
Wet Macular Degeneration - This type of AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina grow underneath the macula. These new blood vessels are fragile and leak fluid, this fluid then raises the macula from it's normal position and as a result causes distorted vision with straight lines presenting becoming wavy and curved. Some people with Wet Macular Degeneration may also see a blurred spot in their central vision.
Add comment
Comments