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What is macular degeneration? This is an aging change in the eye which damages the macula of the retina reducing central vision. Unfortunately it is common in the elderly and can cause irreversible central visual loss. Peripheral vision is maintained even when the patient hads lost reading vision. There are two main types:
It is important to have the eye examined as for some types of dry degeneration (for example the eye on the right) special vitamin and antioxidant tablets have been found to reduce the risk of progression to visual loss.
There are many new treatments for the condition to try to limit the damage to the vision. Anti VEGF Injections Many drug companies are designing new agents (e.g. Avastin and Lucentis) which restrict the growth of blood vessel mebranes in wet ARMD. These block the action of a hormone in the retina called VEGF which makes blood vessels grow. These new agents are injected into the eye under local anaesthesia and studies so far have shown some improvement in vision in some patients. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Using a special injection of dye and a laser to the eye some membranes can be halted from progression. A steroid injection into the eye reduces swelling and also helps. New injections for the eye are being developed all of the time some are already available others will be soon. Retinal Translocation Surgery It is possible to move the retina off the area of the membrane to healthy tissue. This is the only method as yet to have a chance of improving the vision but requires very extensive surgery. Useful Addresses: The Macular Disease Society Darwin House, 13a Bridge St , Andover , Hampshire. SP10 1BE
224 Great Portland Street , London . W1N 6AA Web site: www.rnib.org.uk
Mount Pleasant , Alperton, Wembley
90 High Street , Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 8JD
Queen's Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN1 2NX
Kent Asociation for the Blind, 72 College Rd., Maidstone, Kent. ME15 6SJ (Tel 01622 691357 or www.kab.org.uk)
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1. Dry: Most patients with macular degeneration suffer from the dry form of the degeneration producing a gradual weakening of the retina. This can be seen as yellow deposits in the retina called Drusen or as areas of increased or decreased pigmentation of the retina. 
2. Wet: A few patients will produce a more severe from where a blood vessel membrane appears in the eye as shown on the left. This causes damage to the retina with severe loss of vision often in both eyes. In the early stages the vision distorts followed later by loss of central vision.
Disclaimer. The information provided in the Retina Surgery web site is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other health care professional. Always check with your doctor if you have concerns about your condition or treatment. The authors of this web site and St Thomas’ hospital are not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the information contained in or implied by the information on the site. The text and images are the copyright of Tom H Williamson. | |