Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration causes loss of central vision and is the leading cause of registered vision impairment for people over 50 in the western world.
What happens?
The eye is like a camera. The front part is clear and contains the lens that focuses light onto the retina at the back, which is like the film in the camera. In the centre of the retina lies the macula, an area the size of a grain of rice which contains the cells that process the fine detail and colour of what you see. The rest of the retina lying outside the macula processes your peripheral vision.
Macular Degeneration (MD) causes the macula to deteriorate. If it occurs later in life, it is called Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This leads to varying degrees of visual impairment and will impede daily activities such as reading, driving, recognising faces and working with fine detail. It does not lead to total blindness since peripheral vision is not lost.
There are two main tpes of MD - Dry and Wet
Dry MD: This is the steady deterioration of the cells of the macula. Onset and progression is normally gradual. Unfortunately there is currently no treatment for Dry MD but those with the condition can be considerably helped by the use of low vision aids. Giving up smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and/or the use of nutritional supplements may stabilist or slow down development of both types of MD.
Wet MD: This results from the growth of abnormal blood vessels lying behind the macula. These vessels leak fluid causing damage and scarring to the macula itself leading to loss of central vision. Wet MD often starts suddenly and can progress very quickly.
Speed is ESSENTIAL
If you have noticed a sudden change in your vision, ring us straight away to book an appointment and explain your symptoms. We can then refer you direct to a retinal specialist at the most suitable clinc. For suspected Wet MD the patient should be seen urgently and within a week if possible. For Dry MD change will be more gradual and a patient should receive an opthalmic assessment within 3 months. Your condition may be referred to as wet or dry AMD. CONTACT US
Other useful numbers:
Royal National Institute for the Blind: 0845 766 9999 Action for Blind People: 020 7635 4800