Macular Degeneration in the Elderly
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic and painless ocular disease that affects approximately one in seven Australians over the age of 50.
What is macular degeneration?
Macula degeneration is responsible for nearly half of all blindness and severe vision loss in Australians. The macula is the centre area of the back of the eye that plays a significant role in processing images. Macula degeneration is when there are changes in the macula which can include drusen, fluid or growth of abnormal blood vessels. These changes in the macula can affect the normal function of the retina which as a result will change the quality of vision.
Macular degeneration can affect one or both eyes. During early stages of macular degeneration, you may not experience any vision changes. However, if the macula degeneration progresses, you may find that your central vision is affected and it may start to impact your quality of life.
What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?
People with macular degeneration may notice visual symptoms including:
Difficulty reading or doing activities that require fine vision
Lines may appear bent, wavy or distorted
Difficulty distinguishing faces
Blurred patches in your centre vision
Decreased night vision
Need to increase illumination to see
It is important to note that in early stages of macular degeneration, you may not notice any symptoms or changes to your vision. This is why it is essential to have an eye examination by an optometrist to have your macula checked. If you are looking for an optometrist in the North Sydney region, call us on (02) 8350 2910 to book in for a bulk-billed eye test at Northbridge Optical.
What are the most common causes for macular degeneration?
There are many factors which can increase the risk of macular degeneration. Some of these major factors include:
Age
Age is the strongest risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. With an increased in age, there is an increased risk of macular degeneration
One in seven people over the age of 50 have some evidence of macula degeneration
Approximately 15% of Australians over the age of 80 have vision loss or blindness from Macular degeneration
We recommend that people over the age of 50 have their eyes examined annually. At Northbridge Optical, we offer bulk billed eye testing to all areas surrounding North Sydney.
Family history
People who have a parent of sibling with macular degeneration have a 50% risk of developing macular degeneration
Genetics factors can play a significant role in macula degeneration. If there is a family history of glaucoma, we recommend visiting your optometrist annually to have your macula checked
Smoking
Studies have shown that smokers are three to four times more likely to develop macular degeneration compared to non-smokers. Smoking can also increase the risk of macular degeneration progression.
There are many genetic and environmental factors that influence macular degeneration. If you are over the age of 50 or have a family history of macula degeneration, we recommend that you have your macula checked annually.
To book in for your bulk-billed eye testing in the North Sydney area, call us on (02) 8350 2910.
How can I prevent macular degeneration? What are the treatment options for macular degeneration?
If you are at risk or have been diagnosed with macular degeneration. It is important to see your optometrist regularly to have your macula monitored.
Dry macular degeneration is the most common form of AMD. Dry macular degeneration is usually more slow progressing. If you have been diagnosed with dry macular degeneration, your optometrist will monitor you closely and may prescribe a diet plan and/or supplements. Your optometrist may recommend dark leafy greens, fish, nuts and a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Over time, dry macular degeneration can progress to wet macular degeneration, however, this is not always the case.
Wet macular degeneration also known as neovascular macular degeneration is when abnormal blood vessels grow into the retina. Wet macular degeneration is an aggressive form of AMD and can lead to severe loss of vision if left untreated. If you have been diagnosed with wet macular degeneration, you may be referred to see an ophthalmologist for further treatment.
By having regular bulk-billed eye assessments, it will allow your optometrist to closely monitor your macular. To book an age related macular degeneration assessment in the North Sydney region, contact us (02)8350 2910.
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