Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)
Diagnosis and advanced management of ARMD - slowing disease progression and preserving central vision with modern therapies.
Overview & Clinical Approach
A progressive retinal condition causing loss of central vision, commonly seen with ageing.
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a deterioration of the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. The primary cause of ARMD is ageing.
When the macula degenerates, fine tasks such as reading, threading a needle, recognising faces or seeing details become difficult. Although the macula occupies a small portion of the retina, it is far more sensitive to detail than the peripheral retina, which provides side vision.
ARMD usually begins in one eye and may gradually affect the other. Many people remain unaware of the condition until noticeable vision changes occur or during a routine eye examination.
ARMD alone rarely causes total blindness. Even in advanced stages, most patients retain peripheral vision, allowing them to move around independently.
Common Symptoms
- Straight lines appearing bent, distorted or wavy (an important warning sign requiring immediate evaluation)
- Reduced or blurry central vision
- Need for brighter light while reading
- Difficulty adapting to low light
- Increased blurriness of printed text
- Reduced brightness or intensity of colours, or faded/dull colours
- Difficulty recognising faces
- Dark or blank blind spots in central vision
Primary Causes & Risk Factors
- Ageing - the primary driver of macular degeneration
- Accumulation of drusen deposits under the macula
- Abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina (wet ARMD)
- Heredity and family history of ARMD
- Smoking, obesity, and unhealthy diet
Diagnostic Procedures
- Retinal examination and Amsler grid testing
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) for detailed imaging of the retina and macula
- OCTA - dye-free imaging of the retinal blood vessels
Treatment Steps
Anti-VEGF Injections
Intravitreal injections to reduce growth and leakage of abnormal blood vessels in wet ARMD.
LASER Therapy
Used in selected cases of wet ARMD to seal abnormal vessels.
Photodynamic Therapy
A combination of medication and laser to block leaking vessels.
Nutritional Supplements
Vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper as prescribed to help slow disease progression.
Types of Macular Degeneration
- Dry (Atrophic) ARMD: The most common form, usually affecting people over 50; occurs due to thinning of the macula and accumulation of drusen deposits under the retina, causing slow and gradual vision loss
- Wet (Exudative) ARMD: Occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina from the choroidal layer and leak fluid or blood; vision loss is usually faster and more severe than in dry ARMD
- If wet ARMD develops in one eye, there is an increased risk of it occurring in the other eye
Who Is at Risk?
- Age above 60 years
- Family history of ARMD
- Smokers
- Heart disease, high cholesterol or obesity
When Should You See an Eye Doctor?
- Any changes in central vision or difficulty seeing fine details or colours
- Age over 60 years, even without noticeable symptoms
- Family history of ARMD, smoking, heart disease, high cholesterol or obesity, which raise your risk
Prevention & Risk Reduction
- Regular eye examinations
- Avoid smoking
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet rich in leafy greens and fish
Key Treatment Benefits
- OCT and OCTA macular mapping for precise diagnosis
- Intravitreal injection protocols to preserve central vision
- Prevention guidance covering a healthy diet rich in leafy greens and fish, smoking cessation and blood pressure control
Consultation for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)
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