Age-related Macular Degeneration

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is one of the main causes of eyesight loss in people over 60.

People with Age-related Macular Degeneration

There are two types of Age-related Macular Degeneration

• Dry and
• Wet (exudative).

The dry type affects approximately 85% of individuals with AMD. Photo-receptors in the center of the retina are destroyed. This leads to a decrease of central vision, which affects everyday activities, such as reading and driving. Dry type AMD can evolve to wet type AMD.

In wet (or exudative) type AMD, abnormal vessels develop beneath the retina, in the choroid of the macula. These may cause edema, hemorrhage and finally a scar on the macula. This causes a significant loss of central vision, central scotoma or metamorfopsia (straight lines appear wavy). As the macula is at the center of the retina, in macular degeneration peripheral vision remains unchanged.

Patient with AMD in Amsler grid

The timely diagnosis and proper treatment of AMD is very important. Therefore, if you experience any changes in your vision, please contact us.