Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the
leading cause of legal blindness in Australia. It affects
15 percent of Australians aged 50 years and over. It
causes distortion of central vision, resulting in difficulty
with everyday tasks such as reading, driving and
o what is macular degeneration you ask? The macula refers to an area of the retina (the light sensitive
tissue lining the back of your eye) responsible for central vision. As you read this sentence, the light
is focusing on the photoreceptors of your macula, enabling you to see and discern the letters and
words. Damage to these cells can cause distortion or warping of the central vision, though usually sparing the
peripheral vision.
There are two distinct types of macular degeneration, both of which behave very differently. The first is Wet
Macular Degeneration and the second is Dry Macular Degeneration.
- Wet Macular Degeneration can progress rapidly, however its progression can usually be halted with
treatment. It is defined by the growth of new blood vessels into a layer of retina where they do not
normally grow. This causes leakage of fluid underneath the macula which then distorts the retina and
results in a sudden change in central vision, making straight lines appear crooked.
- Dry Macular Degeneration is a much slower disease. It is caused by the gradual loss of retinal
support cells, resulting in the breakdown and thinning of the retina. Its symptoms can include
worsening blur when reading, difficulty in adjusting to low light environments, decreased brightness
of colours and even difficulty in recognising faces.
Anyone can develop macular degeneration however, a number of factors can increase your risk including:
• Age – people over the age of 50 years are at increased risk
• Family history – having a direct family history (i.e. affected parents or siblings) can increase a
person’s risk of developing the disease by 50 percent. It is a good idea to inform your direct family
members if you are diagnosed, so that they can be checked also.
• Smoking – people who smoke are at a four times higher risk of developing macular degeneration
than the non-smoking population. Smoking causes vasoconstriction or narrowing of the blood vessels
which reduces the blood supply to the eyes. The disease can also progress quicker in smokers and can
begin up to 10 years earlier.
• Gender – Age-Related Macular Degeneration is slightly more common in females than males.
• Nutrition – A diet high in lutein (found in yellow and green leafy vegetables such as kale, pumpkin
and corn) and Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as salmon can reduce the risk of ARMD.
Early diagnosis and treatment of macular degeneration is essential, as it can prevent further vision loss and in
some cases reverse the effects.
The earliest signs of macular degeneration can be seen during a thorough eye examination by an eye specialist
(Ophthalmologist) or Optometrist. These signs can sometimes be seen well before you notice any changes in
your vision. This is why it is important to get regular eye checks, especially if you have any of the risk factors.
Pindara Magazine 19
recognising faces.
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