Could macular degeneration explain your poor vision?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects your central vision. If you have AMD, you're not able to see fine details both close-up and at a distance.
AMD generally affects people as they get older. Although it doesn’t generally cause complete blindness, it can make day-to-day activities such as reading and recognising faces difficult.
What are the symptoms?
AMD affects the middle part of your vision, not the edges (the peripheral vision). You can develop it in one eye or both – the first symptom is usually a blurred or distorted area in your central vision. If it worsens, you may have difficulty reading, watching TV, driving or recognise faces.
Other symptoms of AMD include:
• Colours appearing to be faded or less intense
• Difficulty adapting going from a dark to a light environment
• Perceiving straight lines to be crooked or wavy
• Visual distortions
AMD isn't painful and doesn’t affect how your eyes look. Make sure to get routine check-ups with your optician, as the condition can be detected before you experience symptoms.
What are the causes of macular degeneration?
The exact cause is unknown, though late AMD has been connected with smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight and having a family history of AMD.
How is it diagnosed?
AMD is usually detected during a routine eye examination therefore it is important to have one regularly. Your optician will check your vision and inspect the back of your eyes which may include putting some drops in. They may also recommend an OCT scan to get a better view of your eye. If your optician suspects wet AMD they will refer you urgently to an eye specialist called an ophthalmologist.
When should you get an urgent optician's appointment?
You should make an optician's appointment as soon as you can if:
• Your vision changes suddenly
• You have a dark 'curtain' or shadow shifting across your vision
• You suddenly notice that straight lines appear wavy
These can also be a sign of other serious eye conditions that need urgent treatment.
What's the difference between dry & wet macular degeneration?
Dry AMD is more common and is caused by a build-up of a fatty substance at the back of the eyes called drusen. It usually gets worse gradually – this can be over several years. Currently there is no treatment available for dry AMD.
Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels at the back of the eyes. It’s less common and can get worse quickly – in some cases, this can be days or weeks. Treatment can help prevent vision from becoming worse.
What are the different types of treatments for macular degeneration?
Treatment will depend on which AMD you have. If you have dry AMD, there isn’t a treatment available, but vision aids can help to improve vision. For wet AMD, you may need regular eye injections and in some cases, a light treatment called photodynamic therapy that stops your vision from worsening.
Research into new treatments for AMD is ongoing. Your specialist can keep you informed of any studies you may be able to participate in.
What are some coping methods for those living with macular degeneration?
Ask your optician or eye specialist about a referral to a low-vision clinic if you’re having difficulty carrying out everyday activities. Staff at the clinic can give you advice and support. For instance, they can talk to you about:
• Devices such as magnifying lenses
• Mobile apps and software that can make technology easier to use
• Changes you can make in the home, for example installing bright lighting
If you have poor vision in both eyes, your specialist may recommend a type of training called eccentric viewing training. This involves methods that help make the most of your remaining vision.
If you have AMD, it’s also important to stay healthy by:
• Quitting smoking if you smoke
• Losing weight if you're overweight or obese
• Eating a healthy diet
• Doing regular exercise
There’s also some evidence that suggests certain health supplements may help, though you should speak to your GP or specialist if you’re considering taking supplements for AMD.
AMD can also make it unsafe for you to drive. Talk to your optician or specialist about whether they think it's safe for you to be driving.
Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with your optician or a specialist to keep track of your condition. Contact your optician or specialist as soon as possible if your vision worsens or if there are new symptoms.
Living with AMD can be difficult, and some people may find it comforting to join a support group. In addition to seeing a specialist, you can join groups such as The Macular Society or RNIB.
Next steps
• If you're experiencing symptoms of AMD, such as seeing straight lines as wavy, then visit your optician urgently. You can book an eye test here.
• Depending on the type of AMD, your specialist may recommend treatment such as eye injections or light treatment
• If you have AMD, you can learn to cope with the condition by staying healthy, seeking advice from a low-vision clinic, making sure to schedule regular check-ups, not driving and registering your sight loss
