Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula—the part of your eye responsible for sharp, detailed vision. As it progresses, tasks such as driving and reading may become difficult. Early detection helps protect your vision.
The macula lies at the centre of the retina and plays a key role in central vision, colour perception, and fine detail. AMD occurs when this critical part begins to deteriorate, impairing essential daily functions like reading, recognising faces, and driving. The condition primarily affects individuals aged 60 and over.
Types of AMD:
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Dry (Atrophic) AMD
Characterised by small, pale yellow deposits (drusen) under the retina that mark the breakdown of light-sensitive cells. It progresses slowly and may eventually develop into wet AMD. -
Wet (Neovascular) AMD
Involves abnormal new blood vessel growth beneath the macula. These vessels are fragile and prone to leaking fluid or bleeding, causing rapid and often severe loss of central vision—sometimes within days or weeks.
Diagnosis
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Dilated Eye Exam
Eye drops are used to widen the pupil to enable thorough inspection of the macular region with specialised instruments. -
Amsler Grid
A simple test where straight lines appear warped, broken, or missing if macular damage is present. -
Fluorescein Angiography
A dye is injected into the arm, and eye images are captured as the dye travels through retinal vessels to pinpoint leaks or damaged areas. -
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Provides sectional scans of the retina to detail the extent of macular changes.
Treatment options
Dry AMD (No direct cure)
- Nutritional support with antioxidants, zinc, and vitamin supplements.
- Dietary improvements such as increased intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids may help slow progression.
Wet AMD (Active treatment needed)
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Anti-VEGF Injections
First-line therapy involving direct injection into the eye’s vitreous chamber to block aberrant blood vessel growth and fluid leakage. Often administered monthly. -
Laser Therapy
Suitable when the abnormal vessels are away from the macular centre; laser energy is used to seal and eliminate them. -
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
A photosensitive drug is injected and activated with laser light to selectively destroy problematic vessels. -
Surgery
In advanced cases, a telescopic lens may be implanted to replace the damaged natural lens, helping improve vision.
While treatment cannot cure AMD, it can significantly slow its progression – ongoing monitoring and timely intervention remain essential.
