Macular Risk Clinic
Look After Your Macula
What is your Macula ?
It’s your own 5 Mega Pixel camera sitting at the very back of your eye, it’s only four millimetres in diameter and it’s the only part of your eye that sees things in full colour and fine detail.
Age-related Macular Degeneration
Age-related Macular Generation is the leading cause of blindness in those over the age of 65 years in westernised countries, affecting up to 27% of this population. There are around 500,000 people in the UK with AMD.
Risk factors
You are more likely to develop AMD if you:
- Are over 65 years old
- Have a history of AMD in your family
- Are a cigarette smoker
- Sunlight exposure without protection
- Poor diet / overweight
There are two types of AMD wet and dry. Wet macular degeneration can start suddenly and progress quickly.
There are now treatments available in some cases for wet AMD but they must be applied as soon as possible. Wet macular degeneration accounts for about 10% of all cases.
Recognising the symptoms early if you notice a recent change in
- Clarity – A decrease in vision particularly in one eye
- Colour – Changes in colour perception or depth of colour
- Quality – Image distortion ie straight lines becoming bent or wobbly, grey patches or holes in your field of vision
It has been reported that sudden spontaneous image distortion or loss of central vision in one eye in patient groups who are known to be at risk, would strongly suggest WET AMD.
If you have any causes for concern it is essential that contact us on 02890662020 or another eye specialist as a matter of urgency.
There is currently no treatment for dry macular degeneration but you can reduce your chances of developing it.
