Macular degeneration: types, symptoms, and treatment

Written in association with: Mr Prasad Rao
Published: | Updated: 14/10/2024
Edited by: Conor Lynch

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a common eye condition that primarily affects older adults. It is the leading cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 50.

 

AMD occurs when the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp and detailed vision, begins to deteriorate. This damage impacts a person’s ability to see fine details clearly, making tasks like reading, driving, and recognising faces difficult.

Types of AMD

There are two main types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD is the more common form, accounting for about 85-90% of cases. It occurs gradually as the macula thins and small, yellowish deposits called drusen accumulate under the retina, causing blurred vision over time.

 

Wet AMD, although less common, is more severe and progresses rapidly. In this form, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, leading to sudden vision loss or distortion.

 

Symptoms

Early symptoms of AMD may include blurry or fuzzy vision, difficulty seeing in low light, or noticing straight lines appear wavy. In the advanced stages, patients may experience a dark or empty area in the center of their vision. AMD typically does not lead to complete blindness, but it significantly impairs central vision while peripheral vision remains intact.

 

Treatment

There is no cure for AMD, but early detection and treatment can help slow its progression and preserve vision. For dry AMD, lifestyle changes such as a diet rich in leafy greens, quitting smoking, and protecting the eyes from UV light can help.

 

In some cases, specific vitamins and supplements may also slow the disease. For wet AMD, treatments include anti-VEGF injections, which help block the growth of abnormal blood vessels, and laser therapy.

 

Regular eye exams are crucial for catching AMD in its early stages. If you experience any changes in vision, it’s essential to consult an eye specialist immediately. Early intervention and a proactive approach to eye health can significantly improve quality of life for those at risk of AMD.

By Mr Prasad Rao
Ophthalmology

Mr Prasad Rao is a consultant ophthalmologist in Shrewsbury for over 20 years. He has a wealth of experience and specialises in cataract surgerylaser eye surgery (not refractive lasers) and macular degeneration (AMD), uveitisYAG laser capsulotomy, diabetic retinopathy and general Ophthalmology. He privately practises at Darwin Eye Consultants’ clinic based at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital and in the NHS at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust (SATH).

Mr Rao is highly qualified, with MB BS MS FRCS FRCOphth certifications. After qualifying in medicine from Hyderabad, India in 1983, he spent a further 10 years in two prestigious teaching institutes at Liverpool and Aberdeen. He specialised further in diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, Uveitis and other retinal diseases.

At Darwin Eye Consultants, Mr Rao provides personalised and compassionate care, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of treatment. As a trusted member of the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust, he is committed to delivering exceptional eye care to the local community.

Throughout his career, Mr Rao has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to the field of ophthalmology. He has received numerous awards, including nominations for 4 consecutive years  (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014) from the Macular Society for the best medical retinal service in the UK and also a recipient of five clinical excellence awards.

In addition to his reputed clinical practice, Mr Rao is actively engaged in research, with 35 publications in national and international journals in addition to several presentations at various conferences. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, and a member of professional organisations including Euretina (the European retinal society), Midlands Ophthalmological society, the British Medical Association and the American Association of Ophthalmologists.

He has held his post as consultant Ophthalmologist at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals since 1999. He was the Head of retinal services for 15 years, and Head of the department and Clinical Director between 2015 and 2020.

He enjoys long distance running (London Marathon, Great North run, Great south run), Hill walking (Kilimanjaro, Snowdonia, Scafell pike, Ben Nevis), Travelling, Cooking, Gardening, Bird watching and Ball room dancing (Modern Jive- Ceroc).

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