Age-Related Macular Degeneration

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-Related Macular Degeneration is often abbreviated as AMD or ARMD. A healthy macula (a small area near the centre of the retina) is needed for sharp central vision. In contrast, Age-Related Macular Degeneration occurs when the macula becomes damaged. As a result, central vision becomes increasingly blurred. What’s more, blank spots in vision may appear.

Consequently, as Age-Related Macular Degeneration progresses, it can become a serious eye problem. If left untreated, this eye disease may result in loss of vision

What causes Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age

As its name suggests, Age-Related Macular Degeneration is caused by the natural aging of the eye.’ For this reason, AMD is a common eye condition among older people. In fact, AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among people age 50 and older’ – National Eye Institute.

Genetic history of AMD

AMD is a hereditary condition. That being said, people with AMD in their family have a higher chance of developing it.

Gender

In addition, gender also plays a role. Particularly, women are more likely to have AMD.

Other contributing factors include:
– Cardiovascular Diseases.
– Obesity.
– Smoking.

Normal Vision (left) vs Vision after Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Simulated) (Right)

What are the signs and symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-Related Macular Degeneration can develop without causing significant eye pain or eye discomfort. For this reason, people at risk of AMD should go for regular eye checks.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you may have Age-Related Macular Degeneration:

– Straight lines appearing distorted or wavy (metamorphopsia).
– Increasingly (may be gradual or rapid) blur vision in the central area of vision.
– Loss of contrast of vision.
– Missing areas or blank spots in vision.
– After exposure to bright lighting, slow recovery of vision.

How do I know if I have Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Try the Amsler Grid Chart

Figure 2.1 Amsler Grid Chart. Left: Normal Vision. Right: AMD Vision.

With normal vision, the grid on the left should appear uniform, without gaps or distortion, with the lines being entirely straight. In contrast, an eye with AMD will view it as shown on the right.

Left untreated, AMD may lead to permanent vision loss.

If you suspect that you may have AMD, consult an eye specialist promptly.

What are the treatment options?

Oral medication and intra-ocular injection of special medications (Lucentis, Eyelea). For more details on your recommended treatment option, please consult your eye doctor.

Why Lee Hung Ming Eye Centre?

Due to its nature, Age-Related Macular Degeneration often occurs together with other age-related eye conditions such as cataract and glaucoma. Evidently, multiple eye conditions can be challenging to treat. Thus, it is important to consult an eye specialist who has ample knowledge and experience.

Lee Hung Ming Eye Centre is an established eye clinic in Singapore. We are located in Gleneagles Hospital and have been operating since 2007. Our Senior Consultant and Medical Director, Dr Lee Hung Ming, has more than 20 years of experience as an ophthalmologist. He is an accomplished eye doctor and skilled surgeon that has treated many complicated AMD cases. Dr Lee has an excellent reputation in his field, as evidenced by his large pool of referral cases.

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General pricing for first visits (prices in Singapore dollars):
Consultation: $100-$120
Eye tests required depend on eye condition