Age-related macular degeneration

Types of age-related macular degeneration

AMD is classified into stages — Early, Intermediate and Late.

Early and Intermediate AMD

Are caused by the accumulation of waste products (drusen) under the retina. Early stages of macular degeneration usually have little impact on vision, while intermediate stages may cause subtle changes to central vision, such as distortion or blurring.

Occurs when the retinal cells (photoreceptors) gradually die, leading to loss of central vision. Some people with dry AMD can also develop wet AMD.

Wet (neovascular) AMD

Occurs when abnormal, fragile blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood. This can damage the macular photoreceptors that detect light and leads to acute loss of central vision.

How is AMD treated?

The treatment of AMD depends on its subtype and the severity of disease. For wet AMD, early and prompt treatment can help prevent vision loss and maintain your best vision for as long as possible. For dry AMD, while there is currently no cure, dietary modification and the use of specific nutritional supplements may be of benefit.

Late stage AMD

Can threaten your vision and is divided into two categories — dry and wet AMD.

Recommended treatments

In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow and leak fluid under the retina. This is primarily caused by a protein called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Standard treatment for wet AMD involves an injection of anti-VEGF medication into the eye.

Most people receive eye injections regularly and they often need to be continued over an extended period of time. Treatment recommendations however are individual and will be discussed with you at your consultation.