Age-Related Macular Degeneration

AMD and Screening

Detecting age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in its early stages allows for treatment to be put in place to help slow the disease’s progression and prevent it from leading to blindness. Regular eye exams are important for this reason.

Understanding age-related Macular Degeneration

AMD is a common eye condition affecting a tiny part of your retina called the macula. The macula is an important part of your eye as it is responsible for central vision. We rely on central vision to see intricate details, recognize faces, and engage in activities like driving and reading. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in those ages 50 and older.

Types of AMD

There are two main types of AMD: wet and dry although dry is the most common. This develops due to the gradual thinning of the macula with age, leading to clumps of a protein called drusen growing. Wet AMD is less common but extremely serious. It develops quickly, causing sudden vision loss. Wet AMD develops when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leaking blood and other fluids. This leads to scarring of the macula.

Who is at risk?

You are more at risk of developing AMD if you:

• are over 50 years old
• are overweight
• have a family history of AMD
• have high blood pressure
• smoke cigarettes
• have high cholesterol

Symptoms of AMD

Symptoms of AMD are not noticeable in the initial stages of the disease, making regular eye exams important for early detection. By the time symptoms reveal themselves, irreversible damage may have occurred. Noticeable symptoms include:

• blind or dark spots in the center of your vision
• decreased or blurry vision
• colors appearing less bright
• straight lines appearing wavy

While there is no cure, certain treatment options can help improve your vision.

AMD evaluations

Our AMD evaluations take around 1 hour. We use specialist equipment and a range of tests to carry out our AMD screening, including macula OCT, retinal photography, and visual field testing. During your screening, you can expect Dr Jason to conduct a dilated eye exam, perform and explain macular OCT, and provide vitamin therapy.

We recommend an AMD screening every 6 months depending on the severity of your risk.

Contact us

Please contact us to learn more about our AMD screening or to book your advanced eye exam.