Age-related Macular Degeneration

Symptoms may include central vision blur, distortion of vision, straight lines appearing wavy, and dark patches within the central vision. Risk factors include older age, smoking, and having a positive family history. Smoking cessation and eating a well-balanced diet which includes leafy green vegetables, fresh fruit, nuts, and low glycaemic index carbohydrates may help to protect macula health. In some patients, vitamin supplementation may be recommended to reduce the risk of disease progression.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may be broken into two subtypes.

- Dry AMD – in this form small areas of the macula thin and break down over time. The central vision quality may slowly decline.

- Wet AMD – new and abnormal blood vessels develop below and into the macula, resulting in leakage of fluid and sometimes bleeding. If left untreated a scar may form in the area causing a patch of vision to be missing. Wet AMD may be treated with medication which is injected into the eye to reduce the impact of these abnormal vessels. The injection may be performed under local anaesthetic in the office.

Macular Disease Foundation Australia   
The Macular Disease Foundation Australia website has additional patient information and resources on aspects of macular disease including AMD