Published by Bupa's Health Information Team, October 2010.
This factsheet is for people who have age-related macular degeneration or who would like information about it.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects a person's ability to see what is directly in front of them - their central vision. It's the most common cause of blindness in people over 60 in the Western world.
When light travels through your pupil it's focused onto your retina, which is located at the back of your eye. The retina sends signals to your brain that are interpreted as vision. The macula is a small (about 0.5cm wide) spot in the centre of the retina that processes sharp, clear vision. When you look directly at something, the light is focused on the macula, allowing you to see fine detail and colour.
With AMD, the macula cells become damaged, leading to gradual loss of your central vision.
AMD affects about 20 to 25 million people worldwide. In the UK, around 500,000 people are thought to be affected by AMD. Around two in 100 people aged over 65 in the UK are blind in one or both eyes because of AMD.
There are two main types of AMD:
Dry AMD is the most common type. It affects around nine out of 10 people with AMD. Your eyesight gradually worsens, becoming more blurred, over the course of five to 10 years. However, you may experience a slower deterioration in your sight.
Wet AMD happens when new blood vessels start to grow behind your retina. These can leak and cause scarring, damaging the macula. It may cause rapid and severe loss of your central vision.
AMD often affects both your eyes although it may affect one eye before the other. You may not notice at first as the good eye can mask the deterioration in your other eye.
Your symptoms may happen slowly over several months, but sometimes they develop more quickly. They include:
If you have any of these symptoms, see your GP or optician. AMD isn't a painful condition. It also doesn't usually lead to complete blindness because you still have your peripheral vision. This is what you can see to the sides.
AMD can lead to blindness if it's left untreated. This is why it's very important to visit your GP or optician if you have any symptoms.
No one knows exactly what causes AMD although it's more common as you get older. However, there are a number of factors that can make AMD more likely. These include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. He or she may also ask you about your medical history.
AMD may be detected during routine eye tests by your optometrist. He or she will check your level of vision and examine your macula using instruments to look inside your eye, sometimes using eye drops.
If AMD is suspected, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist (a doctor who specialises in identifying and treating eye conditions).
You may have other tests listed below.
Currently there is no cure for dry AMD.
Your treatment will focus on helping you live with AMD and preventing it from getting worse.
Self-help
There are a number of things you can try that may help with your AMD. If you carry out close, detailed work you can use visual aids, such as advanced magnifying glasses and reading lights to make the best use of your vision. You may also find software that reads out text or displays large text helpful.
An occupational therapist can help to make every day living easier around your home.
Some research has found that vitamins A, C and E and beta-carotene and the mineral zinc and omega-3 fatty acids help to slow down the progression of AMD. Ask your ophthalmologist for advice about the correct dose and their side effects.
Medicines
Your ophthalmologist can inject anti-VEGF medicines into your eye which can help to prevent wet AMD from progressing and even restore some lost vision.
Anti-VEGF medicines work by stopping new blood vessels growing and include:
However, these medicines are only thought to be effective if they're used during the early stages of the disease and may need to be injected every month to begin with.
Always ask your ophthalmologist for advice and read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
PDT doesn't restore vision, but it can help stop wet AMD from getting worse. Your ophthalmologist will inject a special light-sensitive dye into your arm, which then travels to your retina. He or she will then focus a low-power laser on the macular area of the retina, destroying the abnormal blood vessels, without affecting the surrounding tissue.
You may need to have this treatment every three months if the blood vessels behind your retina continue to bleed.
Other treatments
Laser treatment is rarely used and only in the early stages of AMD to limit its progress. Heat from the laser destroys the blood vessels causing the AMD.
Researchers are looking into the benefits of stem cell therapy, combined therapy, gene therapy and surgical treatments for AMD. Your ophthalmologist will be able to provide more information on which treatment is right for you.
You can help reduce your chances of developing AMD by:
For answers to frequently asked questions on this topic, see Common questions.
For sources and links to further information, see Resources.
Bupa has created a tailor-made assessment focussing on the health risks typically experienced in later life. Book a health assessment today by calling 0845 600 3458 and quoting ref. HFS100.
Arrange a call back to discuss your healthcare needs. Alternatively you can call us on 0800 600 500 quoting ref. D323 to find out more about Bupa's private health insurance.
This information was published by Bupa's Health Information Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition. The content is intended only for general information and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. For more details on how we produce our content and its sources, visit the About our Health Information page.
Publication date: October 2010
More on Bupa care homes
Bupa By You.
Adaptable cover from
98p a day^
Now with 2 months
free cover^
Find out more about our Mature Health Assessment by calling 0845 600 3458 and quoting ref. HFS100.
More on Bupa health assessments.
