What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a condition where the sensitive part of the retina, an area called the macula, starts to wear out and cells die.
The retina is the camera of the eye, which takes the photo of what we see. It is a large area with different parts that we have labelled. The macula is at the centre of the retina and is responsible for our central vision. This allows us to see detail and clarity because it contains a dense concentration of cells. Our peripheral vision is still useful, but it is not as accurate or sensitive as our central vision.
Macular degeneration usually happens due to age – nothing lasts forever. Genetics also plays a part.
It can start in people in their 40s but is more likely to develop after the age of 75, with the risk increasing significantly as we get older.
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Causes and risk?
There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing macular degeneration:
Some risk factors you can't change:
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Age: Risk increases significantly after age 50 and continues to rise with each decade.
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Family history: Having a parent or sibling with macular degeneration increases your likelihood of developing it.
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Ethnicity: Caucasians or white-skinned people are the most common ethnic groups to develop macular degeneration.
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Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop macular degeneration. However, this may partly be because women are more likely to live longer.
Some risk factors you can change
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Smoking: You are three times more likely to develop macular degeneration if you smoke.
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Obesity: A higher BMI (Body Mass Index) can speed up the progression of macular degeneration.
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Cardiovascular issues: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease can impair blood flow to the retina.
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Poor diet: Diets low in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, or high in saturated fats, can affect retinal health.
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UV light exposure: Long-term exposure to bright sunlight without protective eyewear may contribute to retinal damage.
Are there different types of macular degeneration?
There are two main types of macular degeneration: wet and dry.
Wet macular degeneration
Wet macular degeneration occurs when there is bleeding and damage at the macula. If this happens, you may notice significant warping or distortion of your vision and sometimes a blank area of sight.
This can happen quite suddenly, and we strongly encourage you to have these symptoms checked as quickly as possible. Please contact us if you are worried about any sudden changes in your vision. The sooner we can diagnose what is happening, the sooner appropriate treatment can begin.
Management of wet macular degeneration is ongoing but important for maintaining independence and visual function.
Dry macular degeneration
Dry macular degeneration occurs when the cells of the eye gradually become damaged and die. This is the slower form of macular degeneration, but it can still be very frustrating, and there isn't an easy remedy for it.
Your optometrist can monitor your vision, which is important, and talk to you about visual aids to help you function as well as possible.
What are the symptoms and how can it affect your vision?
The early symptoms tend to include difficulty with close-vision tasks, such as reading or stitching.
With macular degeneration, you may notice that text starts to become harder to see. You may find that you need extra light to help you see, or you may ask your optometrist whether your reading glasses could be made stronger.
Eventually, macular degeneration can start to affect your computer and television vision. For some people, it can make it harder to maintain their driving licence.
Wet macular degeneration can cause more sudden changes. You may notice significant warping or distortion of your vision, or a blank area of sight.
If you notice these sudden changes, it is important to have them checked as quickly as possible.
How is macular degeneration detected and monitored?
Regular eye examinations are important for monitoring macular degeneration.
One of the key tests we use is the Amsler grid, which helps you identify vision changes and monitor for changes over time.
We recommend that someone with macular degeneration have their eyes tested every 6 months. Your optometrist can monitor your vision and eye health and advise you if further assessment or management is needed.
If you notice sudden distortion, warping, or a blank area in your vision, don't wait for your next scheduled appointment. Contact us as soon as possible.
Can macular degeneration be treated or managed?
Your optometrist can help you manage the effects of macular degeneration with magnifiers, appropriate glasses and advice about visual aids.
We can also talk to you about supplements that are targeted towards supporting the retina.
Ophthalmologists are also needed to help manage wet macular degeneration, as this can sometimes require injections.
For dry macular degeneration, regular monitoring is important, and visual aids can help you continue to function as independently as possible.
