Macular degeneration comprises a group of degenerative diseases of the retina that cause progressive, painless loss of central vision, affecting the ability to see fine detail, drive, read and even recognise faces.
Macular degeneration comprises a group of degenerative diseases of the retina that cause progressive, painless loss of central vision, affecting the ability to see fine detail, drive, read and even recognise faces.
Macular degeneration usually affects people over the age of 50 and becomes more common with increasing age. About 1 in every 10 Australians over the age of 50 have MD and up to 30% of people more than 80 are affected.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration:
The symptoms of macular degeneration may present slowly over a period of many years, with vision only becoming affected later in the course of the disease.
The most worrying change is the sudden onset of decreased vision, a blur or dim patch in the central vision and distorted vision.
Distortion & Loss of Central Vision (Scotoma)
If you have any of these symptoms, contact the Clinic immediately on 9411 5000 and mention these symptoms so you can be seen urgently.
These symptoms usually may mean that an abnormal blood vessel (known as a choroidal neovascular membrane or ‘CNVM’) has formed under the retina. This is commonly called “wet” macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration only develops in a minority of patients with AMD, but causes the greatest amount of vision loss. Effective treatment to stabilise and even improve vision is available, but the best results are achieved when treatment is begun as soon as possible.
What happens to the eye?
Macular degeneration develops because the supportive layer under the retina, the RPE, degenerates. It is akin to the underlay under your carpet wearing out, so that the carpet itself is affected. Degeneration is due to the accumulation of waste products from the retina in the RPE, disrupting its function.
Normal OCT showing RPE
The main early change is the appearance of drusen (white deposits of debris under the retina) and some clumps of pigment. Gradually the RPE and the retina (the ‘underlay and the carpet’) wear out (this is called ‘atrophy’).
Drusen
Atrophic change around the central macula
In some people, the damaged RPE lets an abnormal blood vessel grow under the retina (a CNVM). This is called wet AMD because the abnormal vessel leaks fluid and blood. Untreated, it leads to scar formation that destroys the central part of the macula, causing severe visual loss.
Choroidal Neovascular Membrane (CNVM or Wet MD)
What treatments are available for Wet AMD?
Treatment of CNVM (Choroidal Neovascular Membrane), or wet Macular Degeneration , is very effective.
A long course of injections of Lucentis, Eylea, Vabysmo, Beovu or Avastin directly into the eye is effective at controlling the growth of the abnormal blood vessel. These medicines block the action of chemicals within the eye that cause abnormal blood vessels to grow.
Vision stabilises in most patients and improves significantly in about one third of people who are treated. A major determinant of final vision is the amount of damage done to the macula by the abnormal blood vessel, which is why early detection of the CNVM is so important.
Assessment and ongoing management of patients with CNVM is very specialised. Chatswood Eye Specialists consultants uses the most advanced imaging to detect and monitor wet AMD, and our staff are highly trained and experienced in the care of patients with this problem, with the aim of maximising the vision of our patients with macular degeneration and minimising the risks of treatment.
Can I prevent macular degeneration?
While there are no specific treatments for early AMD, there are some important measures that can be taken to minimise the risk of developing AMD and, perhaps, slow its progression.
The risk factors for developing AMD include age, family history, dietary factors and smoking.
If a close relative is affected, or you are a smoker, you are four times more likely to develop AMD than someone who does not have these risk factors.
To reduce your risk of developing AMD and to slow the progress of the disease:
The Amsler Grid
The Amsler Grid is a way of checking for the major symptoms of AMD both at home and when you are seen by the Ophthalmologist.
To perform the Amsler Grid test:
If you notice any changes, please contact the Rooms immediately on 9411 5000
Amsler Grid
Please contact us to arrange an appointment
The Chatswood Eye Specialists Clinic has been servicing the community of Chatswood for over 30 years. Our modern clinic in the Chatswood Private Hospital building on Albert Avenue features the latest ophthalmic equipment and technology. Our Eye Specialists are leaders in their field and our highly trained Orthoptists are on hand to take you through any tests that may be required during your visit. Please feel free to call one of the friendly reception staff if you would like to enquire about any of our services.