What is AMD?

AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) is a condition that can affect your eyes as you get older. In fact, in the over 50s, AMD is the leading cause of sight loss in Ireland, with over 60,000 people suffering from the condition (Source: Fighting Blindness).

AMD affects the macula, a small part of the eye responsible for central vision which allows you to see detail. AMD usually starts in one eye and is highly likely to affect the other eye at a later stage.

Remember: Blindness doesn’t usually mean complete loss of sight; there is often some vision but this is so poor that it affects daily activities.

Wet and dry AMD

Dry AMD is the most common form of the condition and develops slowly, eventually leading to loss of central vision. Wet AMD is caused by leaky blood vessels inside the eye. It is less common than dry AMD but it can cause more rapid loss of vision.

What causes AMD?

The exact causes of AMD are still unknown. Although there can be a history of the condition in certain families, AMD is still not believed to be genetic. However, if close relatives have suffered with sight loss in the past then it may be worth getting your eyes checked more regularly.

Studies have shown a definite link between smoking and AMD. Other factors such as high blood pressure and poor diet can also lead to a greater risk. Indeed, recent research (AREDS study [2]) has shown that vitamins (C & E), beta-carotene, and copper and zinc supplements in your diet can help reduce the risk of developing AMD.

How common is AMD?

In Ireland today there are thousands of people with AMD. The chances of getting AMD increase as you get older. Most develop dry AMD which, although less severe in terms of rapidity of sight loss, is currently untreatable. Less than 1 in 7 sufferers will have wet AMD, which causes more rapid sight loss. Wet AMD can in many cases be treated and sight loss reduced, but early diagnosis is vital. For both wet and dry AMD, help and support is available from low vision services.

There is a simple test for the early symptoms of AMD and this will be explained in the following sections.

Remember: AMD will not cause a total loss of vision. If you have AMD, help and support is available to maximise your remaining vision and help you maintain an active and independent life. Early detection is important and your optometrist is the best person to check your eyes.

How does AMD affect vision?

The most obvious symptoms of AMD are distortion and blurring in the centre of vision. Although the outer part of vision is unaffected, the central part becomes obstructed. Consequently, people with AMD have difficulty in recognising detail and this can show itself when reading, driving and even when trying to identify a familiar face.

Remember: AMD usually starts in one eye and then may affect the other eye at a later date. Significant loss of vision can occur within 3-6 months. Early action is necessary to minimise the damage to your eyesight and to help you adjust to sight loss.

Treatment options

There are a number of proven treatments for people who have the most severe type of AMD (wet AMD).

They are:
1. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
2. Laser Photocoagulation (LPC)
3. Intravitreal Injection

If you are interested in these, ask your doctor, optician or ophthalmologist; they should be able to give you more information and advice. Unfortunately, there are no proven treatments for dry AMD but ongoing research is seeking to provide suitable new therapies. Help and support are available from low vision services and the patient support groups listed in this booklet. If you have experienced recent changes to your vision, you should seek professional advice even if you have visited your optician in the last two years.

Spotting the symptoms

If you are experiencing new problems with your eyesight that your optician, doctor or ophthalmologist are not aware of, then ask yourself the following questions:

Are you experiencing new problems in just one of your eyes?

No: AMD is unlikely. However, you should seek professional advice as a matter of urgency.

If yes, then has your vision become distorted and/or blurred?

No: AMD is unlikely. However, you should seek professional advice as a matter of urgency.

If the answer is yes, have you lost some central vision?

No: AMD is unlikely. However, you should seek professional advice as a matter of urgency.

If the answer is yes, has the problem arisen in the last 24 hours?

If it has, AMD is unlikely. However, you should seek professional advice as a matter of urgency.

If not, then you should seek professional advice as a matter of urgency.

AMD could be the cause of your symptoms. Please make an appointment to see your doctor or optician during the next week.

AMD and Nutrition

There is evidence to prove that what you eat can affect your chances of developing AMD. Studies have shown that vitamins A, C and E and the minerals zinc and copper when taken together may help to slow the progression of dry AMD in people who already have the condition. A balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables may help your eye health. There are a number of vitamin products available which have been designed for people with AMD and you can buy these over the counter from your pharmacist. Please discuss this with your eye specialist as well.