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Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition when there is blurred or no vision in the center of your visual field. This happens when the macula, the part of the eye that is responsible for sharp and clear vision, is damaged. The onset of AMD does not present any symptoms and will only manifest symptoms as time progresses, marked by an experience of a gradual worsening of vision in one or both eyes.

Who is at Risk?

You are at higher risk of AMD if you:

  • Are over the age of 50

  • Family history 

  • Smoke

  • Lack of proper nutrient

  • Exposure to UV Light

  • Frequently staring at a screen for long duration

What causes AMD?

Early in the process, lipids are deposited in the network of blood vessels in the eye, due to possible failure of processing cellular debris. These deposits in the eye are called drusen, and are typically accompanied by many harmful physiological changes. As the AMD advances, it can be classified into two types of AMD: dry or wet. Despite dry AMD cases accounting for the majority of the diagnosed cases, wet AMD is responsible for the majority of severe vision loss. The most advanced form of dry AMD can also cause a significant loss of vision as well.

What are the symptoms of AMD?

  1. Blurred or fuzzy vision

  2. The appearance of a gray, dark or empty area in the center of the visual field

  3. Illusion: Straight line appears to be wavy, objects appear smaller than they are

  4. Colour vision is noticeably different

Is there a treatment?

Unfortunately, there is no cure or treatment for vision lost by AMD. However, if your AMD is diagnosed early, our eye specialists recommend eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking, which will delay the disease from worsening .

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