
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss, affecting millions worldwide. It primarily damages your macula, the part of your retina responsible for sharp, central vision, making everyday tasks like reading and recognising faces more difficult.
Early detection, lifestyle changes and treatment can help slow the progression of AMD and preserve your vision.
Age-related macular degeneration is an eye condition that affects your central vision. It makes tasks like reading, recognising faces, driving, texting, browsing the internet and online shopping difficult. Performing close-up work, such as sewing, painting, and writing may require additional lighting or magnification.
AMD occurs when your macula, the part of your retina responsible for sharp vision, deteriorates over time. While AMD doesn't cause complete blindness, it can significantly impact your quality of life. Early detection, lifestyle changes and treatments such as anti-VEGF injections can help slow its progression.
The symptoms of AMD depend on its stage. Here’s a breakdown of each stage:
AMD is typically diagnosed through a combination of eye exams, imaging tests, and symptom evaluation. Since early stages of AMD may not present noticeable symptoms, regular eye check-ups are essential for its early detection.
AMD develops due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While the exact causes remain unclear, research has identified several key contributors:
Early diagnosis and management can help slow progression of AMD and preserve your vision. Lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of AMD and support overall eye health. Here are key adjustments that may benefit those with AMD:
While there is no cure for AMD, several treatments can help slow its progression and preserve your vision. The best approach depends on the type of AMD, dry or wet, that you have. For wet AMD, injections are the most effective treatment, helping to prevent vision deterioration and, in some cases, improve clarity.
Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath your retina, leading to fluid leakage and damage. Anti-VEGF injections block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes abnormal blood vessel growth. By inhibiting VEGF, these injections help stabilise and, in some cases, improve vision.
Key benefits of anti-VEGF injections:
Treatment typically requires regular injections every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your individual response.
Anti-VEGF injections for AMD are generally safe but may cause mild side effects like redness, irritation, blurred vision, and light sensitivity, which usually resolve quickly.
Less common effects include temporary eye pressure changes and floaters Rare but serious complications, such as infection, retinal detachment, or severe bleeding, require immediate medical attention.
For those seeking expert and safe care, Ramsay Health Care UK offers AMD injections as part of their comprehensive ophthalmology services. Our specialised and easy access clinics provide anti-VEGF therapy to effectively manage wet AMD and preserve your vision.
While injections are the primary treatment for wet AMD, in certain cases, laser therapy may be used to seal leaking blood vessels in wet AMD.
Age-related macular degeneration can't be completely prevented, but you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eating a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3s, protecting your eyes from UV light, avoiding smoking, and managing conditions like high blood pressure can all help preserve your eye health. Regular eye exams are also key to early detection and management.
Age-related macular degeneration cannot be reversed, but early detection and proper management can slow its progression. Treatments like anti-VEGF injections and lifestyle changes, such as a nutrient-rich diet and UV protection, can help preserve your vision and improve your quality of life.
No, there is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, but treatments can help slow its progression and manage symptoms. Anti-VEGF injections, lifestyle changes, and specialised vision aids can improve your quality of life and help preserve your remaining vision. Early detection is key to effectively managing AMD.
Age-related macular degeneration can have a genetic component, meaning family history may increase your risk. However, lifestyle factors like diet, smoking, and sun exposure also play a significant role. Regular eye exams can help with early detection and management of AMD.
Age-related macular degeneration primarily affects your central vision and does not directly cause dizziness. However, vision changes can sometimes lead to balance issues or difficulty navigating spaces, and this may contribute to feelings of unsteadiness. If dizziness persists, it's best to consult a healthcare professional.
Age-related macular degeneration can lead to significant vision loss, but it does not cause complete blindness. While your central vision may deteriorate, your peripheral vision often remains intact, allowing for some degree of sight. Early detection and treatment can help slow its progression and improve your quality of life.
If you have AMD, you should avoid smoking, excessive sun exposure without eye protection, and a diet high in processed foods. Skipping regular eye exams or ignoring vision changes can also worsen the condition. By prioritising your eye health and protective habits, you can help slow its progression.
The Cherwell Hospital, was pleased to welcome Sean Woodcock MP, Labour Member of Parliament for Banbury, for a tour of the hospital.
Duchy Hospital in Truro, is proud to announce the opening of its brand-new, purpose-built imaging centre, bringing state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to the region. At the heart of the new facility is a cutting-edge static MRI scanner, designed to deliver faster, more comfortable, and clinically advanced imaging for patients across Cornwall and beyond.
Duchy Hospital in Truro has unveiled its new, state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheter Laboratory (Cath Lab), following a £1.4 million investment aimed at transforming cardiac care across Cornwall and the South West.
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