Macular Degeneration

The Macular is part of the retina.
It is only about 5mm across and is responsible for all of our central vision.

Age Related Macular Degeneration

Dry AMD – This is usually slow deterioration of the macular over a number of years as the retinal cells die off and are not regenerated.
Wet AMD – This is when abnormal blood vessels grow into the macular and leak blood or fluid. This leads to scarring of the macular and rapid loss of central vision.  Wet AMD can develop suddenly but can be treated if caught quickly.  Fast referral to a hospital specialist is essential.

Symptoms

Macular degeneration affects different people in different ways.  You may not notice any change in the early stages however as time goes on your may notice;

Straight lines, such as door frames & lampposts, may appear distorted or bent.
Vision may become blurry or develop gaps
Objects in front of you may change shape, size or colour.   They may seem to move or disappear.
Dark spots, such as smudge on glasses, could appear in the centre of your vision.
Colours can fade
Bright light is glaring and uncomfortable
It’s difficult to adapt from dark to light environments
Words might disappear when you are reading.
AMD is painless, so if you have eye pain seek urgent medical advice.