Age-related macular degeneration

Reviewed by Caroline MacEwen, consultant ophthamologist and Paul Klenerman, consultant physician and infection specialist

Wet ARMD
Some people with wet ARMD may be suitable for laser treatment. This is usually only successful if the condition is picked up early and even then not all patients will be suitable.

In order to determine whether a patient would be suitable, an investigation called a fluorescein angiogram is carried out.

A dye is injected into a vein of the arm and then a series of photographs are taken of the back of the eye. If this shows whether a lesion is treatable, laser treatment is carried out as a matter of urgency.

There is a risk with laser treatment that the lesion may continue to progress. It is also possible that the vision may become worse after the laser treatment.

A new treatment called photo-dynamic therapy (PDT) uses a light-sensitive dye called verteporfin in combination with laser treatment. This may be useful for more patients with wet ARMD and is continuing to be evaluated. The dye is first given by injection and then the laser is used to activate the dye and close off the new blood vessels that cause the damage.

What can be done to avoid getting ARMD?
There has been much discussion about the role of high dose vitamins in preventing this condition, but there is no evidence to support this.

A person who has wet ARMD in one eye should have the vision in their other eye regularly assessed so that early signs of distortion are picked up rapidly. This can be done by looking at picture frames or by using an Amsler Chart which their ophthamologist should give to them.

Is macular degeneration a cause of blindness?
ARMD is a common cause of partial sight or blind registration in the UK. If you suffer from age-related macular degeneration your ophthamologist may have arranged to register you as blind. This does not mean that you are blind or are going to go blind. It means that the central vision has been affected such that you are having difficulty with your vision which needs to be recognised.

The peripheral (side) vision is always retained which ensures that the majority of people with this condition are still able to maintain good mobility and independence.

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