Age Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD or AMD) is a disease that causes progressive
deterioration or breakdown of the eye’s macula. The macula is that part of the retina which is
responsible for your central vision, allowing you to see fine details clearly. Macular degeneration is a part of body’s natural ageing process. It is quite common after the age of 65 years. There are mainly two types of AMD – ‘wet’ and ‘dry’. ‘Wet’ AMD is most severe but more treatable. Visual loss caused by AMD cannot normally be reversed, hence early Diagnosis and Treatment is very important.

• The early symptom is straight lines appears wavy
• A ‘blind spot’ which develops in the middle of visual field
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• Blurred colours in newspaper and books

In recent years a group of medicines called anti-VEGFs (Avastin, Leucentis, Eyelea, and Ozurdex ) has been developed which helps to prevent the formation of the abnormal blood vessels that occur in Wet ARMD. These are injected in the eye for management of the diseases.

In exceptional cases special laser application to the retina and surgery may be required.

Advanced investigations like OCT and FFA are performed to observe the response of the treatment.