Macular Degeneration

What is Macular Degeneration?

The retina at the back of the eye plays an important part in vision. The macular represents a small area of the retina responsible for central vision and fine detail. It is particularly important for reading and determining colour.

When Macular Degeneration occurs in later life, it is often called Age Related Macular Degeneration ( or AMD).

There are two types of Macular Degeneration and these are classified as 'wet' and 'dry'. The dry variety accounts for 90% of cases is untreatable and onset is slow. Wet macular degeneration is so called because it causes the blood vessels to leak and scar. The onset is rapid however if caught quickly it can sometimes be treated.

Macular

Optic Disc

The back of an eye, showing blood supply, optic disc and macular

Macular Degeneration is the most common cause of sight deterioration in the over 60's. It is not painful and rarely leads to complete loss of vision. An early diagnosis and immediate treatment ( for the wet variety) is essential to prevent rapid deterioration. If you develop any of the symptoms shown below you should see an ophthalmologist.

Mr Verma at i4Vision™ is a leading expert in the treatment of Macular Degeneration, having received specialist training in USA. Mr Verma has run numerous training sessions for colleagues within the health care industry and has written many published papers on the subject.

Symptoms

Objects can appear distorted. They may appear 'fuzzy' and objects with straight sides may appear crooked.

Some people see things that are not there, and some see lights or are sensitive to light.

A dark spot may appear in the central vision.

Continued deterioration results in a black patch in the central area, peripheral vision ( round the edges) remains unaffected.

Normal Vision

Simulation of vision with advanced degeneration resulting in central loss of vision

Simulation of vision effected where colours have faded.

Simulation of view of small light source where star bursts are seen.

a. Do any of the lines look wavy, blurred, or distorted? (All lines should be straight, all intersections should form right angles, and all the squares should be the same size.)

b. Are there any missing areas or dark areas in the grid?

c. Can you see all corners and sides of the grid?

Don't forget to test both eyes.

VERY IMPORTANT: Any irregularity should be reported to your optician or ophthalmologist.

Diagnosing early changes

Your optician will look at the back of your eye and may use a test such as the one shown below to look for early changes.

If you need reading glasses, please wear them while you use the Amsler grid. The grid should be placed at the same distance from your eyes as any other reading material would be.

Cover one eye, then focus on the dot in the centre.

Someone with macular degeneration might see irregularities in the grid, like the one above

What treatments are available at i4Vision™ for Macular Degeneration?

Macular Degeneration - wet variety

i4Vision™ uses the most recent treatments available for the treatment of this serious but treatable condition.

Mr Verma uses injection therapy of MACUGEN, the ONLY FDA approved treatment available. To see a video of patients and Drs discussing this treatment click HERE.

PDT is also available at i4Vision™. This involves injecting a light sensitive dye into the bloodstream, which then reacts with a cold laser that is aimed at the leaking vessels. The reaction destroys the leaking vessels without damaging healthy surrounding tissue. More than one treatment is usually required.

These therapies are only available in selected units in the UK. i4Vision™ is one of those units. They can halt the progress of wet macular degeneration, in some patients, if caught early enough. EARLY DETECTION is vital to the successful treatment of this serious eye condition.

As a Global opinion leader in AMD Mr Verma is also involved in final stage clinical trials of a brand new therapy called LUCENTIS®. Results to date have been most encouraging. After continued successful results and appropriate approvals are met, this therapy will also be available at i4Vision™

Click HERE to see a published report about LUCENTIS®

Macular Degeneration - dry variety

There are currently no medical treatments available. The onset is however slow and sight is seldom completely lost.

The RNIB can offer advice about support groups and LOW VISUAL AIDS which may be useful. Additionally they can advise about organisations that offer Talking Books and Books and newspapers with large font.