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AMD is a degenerative disease of the retina and is currently the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in older people in developed countries.
The retina is the layer at the back of the eye that captures light and sends it to the brain. In the central part of the retina is the macula, which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. With age, this central area may degenerate and cause a progressive loss of central vision.
The most common early symptom is distorted vision (metamorphopsia). You may notice that straight lines appear wavy or bent.
Other symptoms may include:
AMD does not usually cause total blindness, but it can significantly affect central vision.
The main risk factor is age. The risk increases especially from the age of 50–55 onwards and continues to rise over time.
Other risk factors include:
Early diagnosis is essential. From the age of 50, regular eye examinations including a fundus examination are recommended. In many cases, the disease is not detected at first because one eye compensates for the other. For this reason, it is important to:
If you notice distortion or a fixed central spot, you should consult a specialist.
There are two main types of advanced AMD: atrophic (or dry) AMD, which progresses slowly and currently has no available treatment; and exudative (or wet) AMD, which is more aggressive and can cause faster vision loss.
The wet form can currently be treated with intravitreal injections. This treatment does not cure the disease, but it can stop its activity and stabilise it.
Treatment usually requires regular injections. At first, these may be given monthly or every two months and can later be spaced out depending on progress. Good adherence to treatment is key to preserving vision.
It cannot be completely prevented, but you can reduce your risk by:
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