Age-Related Macular Degeneration
What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Age-Related Macular Degeneration, often abbreviated as ‘AMD’, is a chronic, irreversible eye condition. AMD damages the retina, resulting in loss of vision in the centre of the visual field. AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in people 50 years and older.
There are two types of AMD – Dry AMD and Wet AMD:
Dry AMD: the more common form of AMD. It occurs when light-sensitive cells in the macula (the central area of the retina) gradually break down with age, slowly causing loss of vision.
Wet AMD: is less common than dry AMD – it is estimated that only around 1 out of 5 people with AMD have wet AMD. Furthermore, it usually develops in people who already have dry AMD. Studies have shown that people who smoke are 4 times more likely to develop wet AMD [1].
Wet AMD is caused by growth of blood vessels under the retina in the macula. Because they leak substances such as blood, fluids, lipids and proteins, these small abnormal blood vessels disrupt the normal structure of the retina, form scar tissue, and cause loss of central vision. In the absence of prompt treatment, wet AMD can cause significant vision loss within a short period of time.
Signs And Symptoms Of Age-Related Macular Degeneration:
Age-Related Macular Degeneration is an eye problem that can develop gradually without causing significant eye pain or eye discomfort. Regular eye checks are an integral part of maintaining good eye health. If you have one or more of these symptoms, you may have Age-Related Macular Degeneration – Straight lines appearing distorted or wavy (metamorphopsia) – Increasingly (may be gradual or rapid) blur vision in the central area of vision – Loss of contrast of vision – Missing areas or blank spots in vision – Problems differentiating colours – After exposure to bright lighting, slow recovery of vision
Signs And Symptoms Of Age-Related Macular Degeneration:
Age-Related Macular Degeneration is an eye problem that can develop gradually without causing significant eye pain or eye discomfort. Regular eye checks are an integral part of maintaining good eye health. If you have one or more of these symptoms, you may have Age-Related Macular Degeneration
– Straight lines appearing distorted or wavy (metamorphopsia)
– Increasingly (may be gradual or rapid) blur vision in the central area of vision
– Loss of contrast of vision
– Missing areas or blank spots in vision
– Problems differentiating colours
– After exposure to bright lighting, slow recovery of vision
Gradual Or Total Loss Of Central Vision
Shapes And Lines Appear Crooked
FAQ
As its name suggests, Age-Related Macular Degeneration is caused by the natural aging of the eye. It is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50 years old.
The risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration increases with the following:
– Age
– Genetic history of AMD
– Gender (women are more likely to have AMD)
– Cardiovascular Diseases
– Obesity
– Smoking
Depending on the type of Age-Related Macular Degeneration, oral medication and surgery are possible treatments. For more details on your recommended treatment option, please consult your eye doctor.
While there is no cure for macular degeneration, some lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as medical treatments, may help slow its progression. For personalized guidance, speak with an eye care specialist.
Avoid smoking, excessive sun exposure, and a high-fat diet. Conditions such as hypertension and high cholesterol should be monitored and managed as they may contribute to the advancement of macular degeneration.
Magnifiers, special glasses, and adaptive technologies can help with daily duties. Discuss low-vision rehabilitation options with your eye doctor.
Regular eye exams and tracking changes in your vision can aid in the detection of increasing symptoms. If you detect any changes, contact your eye care specialist.
Macular degeneration causes persistent vision loss that cannot be completely recovered. However, prompt intervention and treatment may assist in delaying the progression of the disease.
Macular degeneration treatment options include anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy. The best method is determined by the specific type and stage of macular degeneration.
The progression varies among individuals. Some may lose vision gradually over time, while others may lose vision quickly.
Yes, many people with macular degeneration live regular lives by adapting to changes, employing visual aides, and obtaining assistance from low-vision rehabilitation centres.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Screening & Testing
Cataract/Glaucoma/Age-Related Macular Degeneration Screening
- Visual Acuity/Auto-Refraction
- Eye Pressure Check (Tonometry)
- Corneal Thickness Measurement
- Optic Nerve & Macular Scan/Optical Coherence Tomography (Nerve & Macular)
- Optic Nerve & Retinal Photography
- Doctor’s Consult
Our Age-Related Macular Degeneration Specialist
Dr. Wong Chee Wai
MBBS (Singapore), M.Med (OPHTH), FAMS (Ophth)
MCI (Singapore), PHD (UTRECHT)
Senior Consultant | Eye Surgeon
Sub-specialties: Retinal Conditions, Cataracts
Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese
Fellowship Trained Specialist
Former Consultant at Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)
Former Clinical Lead of the High Myopia Clinic at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)
Started the Surgical Retina Service at Sengkang Hospital
Former Assistant Professor at the Duke-NUS Medical School
- Dr Wong Chee Wai was awarded 3 gold medals for Best Candidate in Cornea
- and Refractive, Neuro-ophthalmology and Ethics in the Eye Specialists’ Exit exam
- Research Training Fellowship Award, National Medical Research Council (2017)
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