Age-related macular degeneration

The macula is a small area at the back of the eye, in the centre of the retina. It enables us to see things directly in front of us, and the fine detail needed for reading and writing. Sometimes the delicate cells of the macula become damaged and stop working, and there are many different conditions which can cause this.

If this occurs later in life, it is called age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. It is the most common cause of sight loss in people over 60.

There are two types of macular degeneration, “wet” and “dry”. This refers to what the eye specialist can see when looking at the macula.

“Dry” AMD is the most common. It develops very slowly, causing a gradual loss of central vision. There is no medical treatment for this type. However, aids such as magnifiers can be helpful with reading and other small detailed tasks.

“Wet” AMD results in new blood vessels growing behind the retina, causing bleeding and scarring, leading to sight loss. “Wet” AMD can develop quickly and sometimes responds to laser treatment in the early stages. It accounts for only 10 per cent of all people with AMD.

AMD usually involves both eyes, although one may be affected long before the other. This sometimes makes the condition difficult to notice at first because the sight in the “good” eye compensates for the loss of sight in the affected eye. You cannot wear out your sight, so do not be afraid to continue to use the “good” eye as normal.

The good news is that AMD almost never leads to total blindness because only the central vision is affected. Almost everyone with AMD will have enough side (or peripheral) vision to get around and keep his or her independence.

The Macular Disease Society can provide further advice and support to people with macular degeneration.