Macular Degeneration

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Macular degeneration, commonly referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is the single largest cause of sight loss in the developed world and affects more than 10 million Americans. It usually affects people over the age of 60, but has been known to affect those who are younger. It is a painless condition that usually affects both eyes with the loss being experienced in the central vision. It does not affect the peripheral vision, meaning that it does not cause total blindness.
 

What is the macula?

The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina and is responsible for our central vision and what allows us to see fine details with clarity.
 

Varieties of AMD

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is one variety of the condition in which abnormal blood vessels grow into the macula, leaking blood or fluid which then causes scarring and a rapid loss of central vision. Wet AMD can develop suddenly and rapid referral to a specialist is essential as it can be treated if caught quickly.
 

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the most common variety of age-related macular degeneration and is a gradual deterioration of the retina as the cells die off over time and are not regenerated. Up to 15% of people with dry AMD go on to develop wet AMD, and so any sudden changes in your vision should be followed up with your optometrist as soon as possible.
 

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Symptoms of macular degeneration

Macular degeneration affects each person differently, which means that it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, particularly as you may not notice any change in your vision early on in the condition. However, as the cells deteriorate, you will start to see an increasing range of symptoms, including:

• Distortion or bends in what should be straight lines (such as lampposts or door frames)

• Dark spots in your central vision

• Fading colors

• Difficulty adapting from dark to light environments

• Blurred vision

• Objects may appear to change shape, size or color, or may move or disappear

• Bright lights may be difficult to tolerate

• Words may disappear while you are reading

Is there any way I can reduce my risk of developing AMD?

Unfortunately, there is no clear reason as to what triggers the process that causes macular degeneration. However, you are at an increased risk if you have a family history of the condition, or if you are over 60. 

Experts suggest that the best thing you can do to minimize any potential risk is to ensure that you live a healthy, active lifestyle. You can do this by:

• Stopping smoking

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables

• Moderating your alcohol consumption

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Getting regular exercise

There is also some limited research that suggests that eating leafy, green vegetables can slow the deterioration of vision in cases of dry AMD.
 

Treatment for AMD

Sadly, there is currently no cure for either variety of AMD. In the case of dry AMD, the treatments suggested are done so with the aim of aiding the patient to make the most of their remaining vision. This can include things such as using magnifying glasses to help with reading.

Wet AMD can be treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medication. This should stop additional blood vessels from developing and stop your vision from deteriorating further.

Occasionally, laser therapy is suggested as a possible treatment for destroying abnormal blood cells, but this is only suitable for cases of wet AMD and usually only around 1 in 7 sufferers may be potential candidates for this procedure.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding macular degeneration, we highly recommend that you speak with your optometrist who will be happy to assist you.

ERG Testing and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula; the central portion of the retina responsible for the detailed vision used for reading, driving, recognizing faces, and performing other everyday activities.

While AMD is best known for affecting the macula, research suggests that retinal functional changes can extend beyond the central macular area, particularly in more advanced disease. Full-field ERG studies have demonstrated measurable retinal-function differences in patients with AMD, with stronger evidence of abnormalities in later stages of the disease.

ERG testing may provide your doctor with additional information about how your retina is functioning alongside structural tests such as retinal photography and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

For patients with AMD, ERG may be useful as part of a broader evaluation to:

Assess overall retinal function

• Document functional abnormalities

• Establish a baseline for future comparison

• Provide additional information when retinal structure and visual symptoms do not tell the entire story

• Complement OCT, retinal imaging, visual acuity testing, and a comprehensive eye examination

Structure + Function: A More Complete Look at Retinal Health

Retinal imaging and ERG provide different types of information.

Retinal imaging shows us structure. Tests such as OCT and retinal photography allow your doctor to examine the physical appearance of the retina.

ERG evaluates function. It measures how the retina responds to visual stimulation.

By evaluating both the structure and function of the retina, your eye doctor can obtain a more comprehensive understanding of your retinal health.

What Is ERG Testing Like?

ERG is an objective test of retinal function. During testing, your eyes are exposed to controlled visual or light stimuli while specialized sensors measure the electrical responses produced by the retina.

Your doctor will review your results together with your symptoms, medical history, eye examination, and other diagnostic testing.