Macular Degeneration A.M.D

WHAT IS IT? A.M.D. - Age-related macular degeneration is a painless eye condition that leads to the gradual loss of central vision but can sometimes cause a rapid reduction in vision. Affects up to 500,000 people worldwide to some degree.

A.M.D There are two types: Dry Wet

DRY A.M.D. Dry A.M.D. is when the cells of the macula become damaged as a result of a build-up of waste products called Drusen. Drusen are tiny accumulations of extracellular material ……… It is the most common and least serious type of A.M.D. counting for around nine out of 10 cases.

WET A.M.D. Wet A.M.D. develops when abnormal blood vessels form underneath the macula and damage its cells. Wet A.M.D. is more serious and without treatment, vision can deteriorate within days.

P Neary

WHO IS AT RISK? People over 60 years old Women are more susceptible than men Caucasians are far more at risk

Who is at risk Light coloured eyes Smokers Cardiovascular problems

A.M.D HIGH CHOLESTEROL OBESITY SMOKING UV / BLUE LIGHT GENES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

SYMPTOMS OF A.M.D. Straight or bendy lines may start to appear distorting the center of vision Dark, blurry areas or a white or grey shadow appears in the center of vision Diminished or changed color perception Visual hallucinations - may include unusual patterns or shapes, animals, faces

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR As soon as you recognise the symptoms Catching the symptoms of A.M.D. early is your best bet for slow the onset of the disease

HOW TO AVOID A.M.D. ALWAYS wear UV-absorbing glasses when outside Stop smoking Eat a healthy diet high with plenty of fruit and vegetables Moderate your consumption of alcohol Try to maintain a healthy weight

Dry A.M.D There is no treatment to cure Dry A.M.D Vitamins can help to slow the effects Healthy controlled diet There are low vision aids to help those affected – Magnifying glasses designed for loss of central vision – Computers and digital screens – Reverse prism lenses.

How Wet A.M.D is treated Anti-VEGF medication via injection Laser surgery to destroy abnormal blood vessels Early diagnosis is essential

Long term effects Loss of central vision Inability to read, sew, recognise peoples faces. Depth perception Problems driving

Watching television. Straight lines become curvy.

Testing for A.M.D. at home The Amsler square – Used daily – Check for alterations. The “Face” test – In the bathroom mirror, close one eye and look at your face. Repeat with the other eye.

The image on the left is a Normal Amsler square The one on the right is an altered sight square

Advances in tecnology The Low vision society in Spain, along with visual aids now have special filter that protects from the blue light pollution caused from LED lights. CSR lenses The filters slow the process and can help prevent A.M.D for LED light Users Stem cell implantation in the Macular (studies)