Aged Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

Light travels into the eye and is focussed onto the retina. The retina is the nerve tissue which contains photoreceptors that receive the light stimulus. This stimulus is then passed by the optic nerve to the brain to be interpreted into a visual image.

The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for fine vision. It is responsible for detailed vision, reading and  colour vision.

ARMD is a condition where the central retina, the macula, is diseased. It is more common in older people. It is a major cause of visual impairment in our community. The risk factors for ARMD are advancing age, family history, smoking and diet.

There are two forms of macular degeneration:

1.“Dry” ARMD is the most common form. Small patches of the macula slowly die. Dry ARMD develops slowly. Vision is gradually impaired.

2.“Wet” ARMD consists of new abnormal blood vessels that grow underneath the retina. These blood vessels can leak and bleed leading to scarring. This can cause more rapid visual loss.

The symptoms of macular degeneration can include blurring and distortion of vision. There can be rapid onset of central visual loss. There can be gradual reduction in quality of reading vision. People with advanced macular degeneration have visual impairment with loss of central vision and significant impairment of reading. Generally the peripheral vision remains intact.

A healthy diet is important in the treatment and prevention of macular degeneration. Antioxidant vitamins are thought to be important. These are best attained in green leafy vegetables and red, orange and yellow vegetables. Fish is thought to be beneficial 2 to 3 times a week. A mixture of nuts is also beneficial.

Patients with macular degeneration are often asked to monitor their central vision with an Amsler grid. The grid is used with one eye open with reading glasses on. The patient is asked to look at the central dot and to assess whether there are any areas of loss of vision or distortion of the lines. Any sudden change in the findings with the Amsler grid should prompt a complete ophthalmic examination.

The ophthalmologist checks the vision and examines the retina. OCT (optical coherence tomography) can assist in providing an image of the retina. Fluorescein angiography involves the injection of fluorescein dye into a vein at the elbow and photographs being taken to assess any leakage of blood vessels in the retina.

Treatment can be given in the form of antioxidant vitamins.

Active wet ARMD can be treated with injections into the jelly of the eye. These new medications (known as anti VEGF agents) currently inhibit the formation of the new blood vessels.

Low vision aids can provide support for people with visual impairment. Vision Australia can also assess safety features in the home and the street.

If you have persistent pain or sudden change in your vision, report this to the doctor immediately via the Surgery, the Hospital or the Sydney Eye Hospital.

If you have concerns or questions, please call.