1. Everything you need to know

2. What is Macular Degeneration? Macular Degeneration is usually prefixed by the words “Age Related”, meaning it is an ocular condition associated with age. ARMD. Your retina of your eye lies on the back surface of you entire eyeball, when rays of light enter through your pupil they can strike any part of your retina and then you will see that object. Your retina has a central – more sensitive area – called your macula. The macula is what you use to focus on something precise such as these individual words you are reading, everything else you see is seen by the rest of the retina, not the macula. Macular Degeneration is when the macular retinal layer deteriorates making it difficult to focus centrally due to a loss of central vision. Symptoms: Loss of central vision, hard to recognise faces, central vision is distorted or wavy. If any of these present, please make an appointment with Mr Russell, Norman Salmoni’s Optometrist.

3. How do you get Macular Degeneration? Not everyone will get macular degeneration. It is an ocular condition which presents in late adulthood. Those who have a direct family relative with ARMD have a four times chance of presenting with the disease than if they didn’t. Smoking is also a contributing factor, increasing your probability of showing symptoms by three times.

4. How is it detected? By viewing the Macula directly The macula can be viewed for any changes to indicate the degenerative condition using a torch shone into the eye through the pupil. Your optometrist will ask you to look directly into the dimmed torch so they have a direct viewing of your macula. A retinal photograph can also be taken which will record how each of your macula looks. They will be stored and compared to previous photos from your last test and any changes detected. An Amsler Grid Test This is a simple test your optometrist can carry out. A 10cm x 1ocm grid can be used to test the central 10 degrees of your vision. Your optician can precisely explain to you how to use one and give you a grid home with you so you can check yourself once a month.

5. How is Macular Degeneration treated? Macular degeneration is non-reversible, therefore it is essential that you keep up with your eye tests and not miss any even if you think your glasses are fine. Your Norman Salmoni optometrist, may recommend tablets for you to take such as Macushield or Icaps which you can obtain from our opticians.