A common eye condition that affects the central part of the retina, called the macula Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARM). The macula is responsible for our central vision, which is used for tasks like reading, driving, and recognising faces.

ARM occurs when the macula deteriorates over time, leading to a progressive loss of central vision. It is most commonly seen in people over the age of 50, and can be classified as either dry or wet, depending on the specific characteristics of the condition.

Dry ARM is more common, accounting for about 85-90% of cases, and is characterized by the gradual buildup of drusen (tiny yellow or white deposits) in the macula. Wet age-related macular degeneration, on the other hand, is less common but more severe, and is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the macula that can leak or bleed, causing rapid vision loss.

Treatment for ARM depends on the specific type and severity of the condition, but may include medications, laser therapy, or surgery. It is important for individuals to undergo regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist in order to detect and manage ARM as early as possible.

Q: What causes macular degeneration?
A: There is no single cause of macular degeneration, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Age, smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity are some of the risk factors associated with the development of macular degeneration.

Q: What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?
A: The most common symptom of macular degeneration is a gradual loss of central vision. Other symptoms may include distorted or blurry vision, difficulty recognizing faces or colours, and a dark or empty spot in the center of the visual field.

Q: How is macular degeneration diagnosed?
A: Macular degeneration is usually diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam, and imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography.

Q: What are the treatments for macular degeneration?
A: There is no cure for macular degeneration, but there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease and manage its symptoms. These treatments may include injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs, laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy.

Q: Can macular degeneration be prevented?
A: There is no guaranteed way to prevent macular degeneration, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These may include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as not smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly, as well as getting regular eye exams.

Q: Is macular degeneration hereditary?
A: Macular degeneration can be hereditary, meaning it can run in families. If you have a family history of macular degeneration, you may be at a higher risk of developing the condition yourself.

Q: Can macular degeneration lead to blindness?
A: Macular degeneration can lead to significant vision loss, but it rarely leads to total blindness. However, it can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and may have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.

Q: How can I manage macular degeneration?
A: There are several ways to manage macular degeneration, including using assistive devices such as magnifying glasses or computer software, making changes to your home environment, such as increasing lighting or using contrasting colours, and seeking support from support groups or counselling.

Q: Can I still drive with macular degeneration?
A: It depends on the severity of your macular degeneration and your ability to pass a vision test. If your vision meets the legal requirements for driving, you may still be able to drive with macular degeneration. However, it is important to discuss your situation with your doctor and consider your own safety and the safety of others before getting behind the wheel.