Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a chronic & progressive eye condition that affects your central vision. There are 2 forms of AMD, a “wet form” and a “dry form”. The latter is the most common form. It is estimated that it affects 2 out of 3 people as they age, but early detection by your Optometrist or GP may mean you can be referred to Australian Eye Care before vision loss occurs. Unfortunately, if you have already started to lose your vision due to this condition, you cannot regain the sight you have already lost, but if you have the “wet form” of AMD, Dr Goodrich at Australian Eye Care may be able to give you intravitreal injections (injections directly into the fluid of the eye) that aims to prevent any further vision loss.

If you are suffering from AMD it is likely you will have trouble seeing peoples’ faces and have trouble with working up close on tasks, or reading because your words may run into one another. You may see straight lines as having curves, and if you colour contrast if affected, you may even have trouble seeing what colours the traffic lights have changed too.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration, commonly referred to as age-related macular degeneration, is a condition that affects a person’s central vision due to the deterioration of the retina.

This retina deterioration often occurs with ageing, and there are two main types of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD):

• Dry ARMD is a gradual and progressive degeneration of the light-sensitive photoreceptors located at the macular, slowly reducing vision.

• Wet (neovascular) ARMD is the development of abnormal and highly fragile blood vessels under the retina that leak or bleed resulting in a rapid reduction and distortion of vision.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration can cause distortion and loss of central vision while peripheral vision usually remains unaffected and common symptoms include:

• Straight lines appear bent or wavy

• Letters or numbers appear jumbled when reading

• Difficulty adjusting to low light levels 

• Reduced intensity of or brightness of colours 

• Gradual decline in the ability to see objects clearly

• Dark or empty spaces blocking the central field of vision