Patient Information
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
This provides you with information about Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), including symptoms and available treatments.
Information about any current or previous research trials concerning AMD are included at the bottom of this page.
Information about any current or previous research trials concerning AMD are included at the bottom of this page.
What is AMD?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition, especially for those in their mid-60s and above. AMD is a chronic eye disease that damages the macula, a crucial part of the retina responsible for central vision. There are two main forms of AMD:
Dry AMD – Is the more common form of the disease making up around 75-90% of cases. It affects the part of the retina responsible for central vision. Characterised by small drusen (waste) deposits on the retina that gradually cause atrophy of the retinal tissue.
Geographic Atrophy (GA) – is an intermediate to late-stage dry form of AMD, which affects the macula region, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. It is characterised by the gradual deterioration and death of retinal pigment epithelial cells, leading to the formation of atrophic lesions that look like “geographic” patches on a map.
Wet AMD -also known as neovascular or exudative AMD, refers to an advanced stage of the disease. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, leading to the formation of scar tissue that can ultimately cause irreversible vision loss.
What are the symptoms of AMD?
In the early (Dry) stages of the disease there are usually no visual symptoms however the condition can lead to significant loss of vision over time, particularly in older adults as geographic atrophy form. GA may affect visual
acuity, but also diminishes contrast sensitivity and colour perception, which can lead to reducing quality of life.
Wet AMD symptoms include sudden loss of central vision, straight lines appearing wavy or distorted and a difficulty recognising faces.
What are the treatments options for AMD?
While there is currently no cure for dry AMD, there are treatments that may help slow its progression and preserve vision. This includes lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, as well as taking specialised supplements. There are no UK approved treatments for GA however, numerous clinical trials are ongoing to develop effective therapies that can slow down or halt GA’s progression.
For Wet AMD, treatments such as anti-VEGF injections and photodynamic therapy have been shown to slow disease progression and sometimes even improve vision. Bispecific antibody injections.
Research is underway for new and improved treatments for age related macular degeneration. These currently include:
Gene Therapy – looking at genetic approaches to manage the condition
Stem Cell Therapy – whereby there’s a potential for the retina to repair and regenerate
