Macular Degeneration (Age-related)

What is Macular Degeneration (Age-related) ❓

 Changes to the centre of the sensor at the back of the eye (the retina's macula) 👁

 The changes have no other obvious cause

 Occurs in people aged 50 or over

 Risk factors: older age, smoking, family history, genetics 🧬

What are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration ❓

 Vision loss or changes (e.g. blurring, lights, straight lines appear wavy) 👀

 Black/grey patch in vision

 Difficulty seeing details (such as writing) 📖

 Difficulty adjusting from dark to light 🌗

How do you Diagnose Macular Degeneration ❓

 Patient symptoms & history

 General examination of the eye 🔍

 Specialist referral for further investigation

How do you Treat Macular Degeneration ❓

 Stop smoking 🚭

 Vitamin & mineral supplements

 Diet changes (e.g. more fruit, fish & reduce fat) 🐟

 Treatments/therapy to block blood flow & slow progression (anti-angiogenic or laser)

Why should I Worry about Macular Degeneration ❓

 At first, the vision changes are not as prevalent

 Reduced quality of life & daily activity 🚴‍♀️

 Patients are at risk of depression

 If untreated can have complications (e.g. falls/injury, blindness, hallucinations) 🤕

 Treatments carry risks of sensitivity & damage to eye