Age-Related Macular Degeneration

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. During Age-Related Macular Degeneration, the macula becomes damaged, central vision becomes increasingly blurred, and blank spots in vision may appear. 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?

As its name suggests, Age-Related Macular Degeneration is caused by the natural aging of the eye. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over 50 years old.

The risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration increases with the following:

– Age
– Genetic history of AMD
– Gender (women are more likely to have AMD)
– 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 is an eye problem that can develop gradually without causing significant eye pain or eye discomfort. Regular eye checks are an integral part of maintaining good eye health. 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 above should appear uniform, without gaps or distortion, with the lines being entirely straight.If you suspect that you may have Age-Related Macular Degeneration, it is important to schedule a check up with an eye specialist promptly. Left untreated, AMD may lead to permanent vision loss.

What are the treatment options for Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Depending on the type of Age-Related Macular Degeneration, oral medication and intra-ocular injection of special medications (Lucentis, Eyelea, etc.) are possible treatments. For more details on your recommended treatment option, please consult your eye doctor.

Why Lee Hung Ming Eye Centre?

The treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration can be complicated. Due to its nature, Age-Related Macular Degeneration often occurs together with other age-related eye conditions such as cataract and glaucoma. The presence of multiple eye conditions can be challenging to treat as many factors have to be considered. 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 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