What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disorder that affects older adults. It impacts the macula, the central part of the retina, which is crucial for our central vision. There are two main types of AMD:
1. Dry (atrophic) AMD occurs when the cells in the macula slowly break down, causing a gradual blurring of central vision. Small, round, yellow-white spots called drusen are common indicators of dry AMD.
2. Wet (exudative or neovascular) AMD: In this type, vision distortion usually starts in one eye and may later affect the other. Unlike dry AMD, vision loss in wet AMD can be rapid.
How Do I Know If I Have AMD?
AMD can cause different symptoms in different people. It may not be noticeable in the early stages. Common signs of AMD include:
1. Blurred or decreased vision.
2. Blind spots, or scotomas, due to lost macular function.
3. Straight lines appearing irregular or bent (metamorphopsia).
4. Objects appearing smaller or a different colour/shape in one eye compared to the other
How is AMD Diagnosed?
To diagnose AMD, an eye doctor will measure your visual acuity (sharpness of vision) and examine your retina. Drusen spots are a vital sign of dry AMD. In wet AMD, you might see fluid, blood, scarring, and new blood vessel membranes below the retina. Other tests include:
- Amsler Grid: You look at a grid that looks like a checkerboard. Cover one eye and stare at a black dot in the centre. If the lines appear wavy or some lines are missing, it could be a sign of AMD.
- Fluorescein Angiography: This test uses dye to highlight blood vessels in the retina.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This imaging test provides detailed pictures of the retina.
What Are the Treatment Options?
- Antioxidants: These may help protect against AMD by preventing free radicals from damaging the retina.
- Laser Treatment: This can stop or reduce vision loss in the early stages of AMD. It uses a specific wavelength to cauterize abnormal blood vessels.
- Medications (Anti-VEGF Therapy): VEGF causes new blood vessels to develop and increases leakage and inflammation. Anti-VEGF drugs are injected into the eye to help regain some vision. Treatment might need to be repeated to get the best results.
What is the Outcome of Treatment?
AMD causes irreversible vision loss. Until a few years ago, AMD was almost untreatable and often led to blindness. Laser treatment has been an option, but with the advent of intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs, it is now possible to salvage and sometimes even improve vision in wet AMD.
Our Facilities
As one of the best eye care centres in India, Divyadrishti is equipped with the latest tools for diagnosing and treating AMD.