Three reasons why we must raise awareness about age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an incurable disease that results in the loss of vision. AMD is caused by the degeneration of the macula, which results in loss of central vision and the fine details in your sight.

Visualising age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

To have a clearer understanding of what this type of vision loss looks like, Vision Matters has created various e-vision simulators, including an AMD e-vision simulator.

Soft drusen, an early form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Late AMD is what results in vision loss, of which there are two types, Wet AMD and Dry AMD. In its early form “early AMD” appears as small yellow deposits called drusen forming under the macula.

Drusen occur naturally with age. In their hard form, they are harmless and not a symptom of a disease. However, a large presence of soft drusen is an indication of AMD. The presence of drusen can only be detected through routine eye exams.

Here are the three reasons why we must raise awareness about age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

1. By 2025 there will be an estimated 3,160,000 people in the UK living with drusen and 710,000 people will be living with late-stage Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
2. The leading cause of sight loss in the UK amongst those that are registered blind and partially sighted is AMD. AMD causes 48 % of sight loss, whereas cataracts cause 12%, Retinitis Pigmentosa 10% and Diabetic eye disease at 8% of sight loss.
3. Less than 25% of people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (40% in Scotland) are taking regular NHS sight tests.

Many factors result in the development of AMD. To learn more about how you can mitigate the risk of developing AMD, visit our article that discusses in greater depth how you can better understand age-related macular degeneration.

With AMD, timing is crucial, which is why, here at SpaMedica, we treat all age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients within 14 days of receiving a referral and the majority within 48 hours, offering a wide range of appointment options, including weekend appointments.