Age-Related Macular Degeneration – The Facts

1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration – The Facts Age-related macular degeneration, often referred to as AMD is a common condition which is one of the leading causes of sight loss in the older generation. This eye condition affects people over the age of fifty. In many instances the person isn’t aware there is a problem until they start noticing blurred vision or spots in their sight. The good news is that it is slow advancing, though there are cases where people experience a fast onset of this eye disease and require instant treatment to help improve their vision moving forward. Age-related macular degeneration causes damage to the macular, the part of the eye that creates clear vision. Over time AMD will cause blurred and spotted vision, which isn’t dangerous at first, but can be frustrating and alarming if you don’t know what to expect moving forward. There are a number of contributing factors to age-related macular degeneration including smoking, family history and race with caucasians being in a higher risk bracket than other races around the world. In most instances, once you reach the age of fifty or over you will be recommended for regular eye tests. The expert eye doctor and surgeon will test your eyes, doing a thorough exam and a fluorescent angiogram to identify if there are any issues to be concerned about. There are three stages to age-related macular degeneration from early to intermediate and late. Early stages, you won’t experience any symptoms and the only course of treatment will be to have the condition monitored, this usually includes eye tests every year to identify how far the disease has progressed and whether any other treatment needs to be taken to help improve your sight and reduce the risk of you experiencing the frustration of blurred vision. For all stages of age-related macular degeneration you will probably be advised to take additional vitamins and minerals, these won’t rectify the issues but it will slow the process as your eye expert identifies the best course of treatment to reduce the risks and help you manage your eye sight accordingly.

2. Eye injection treatment is the only solution and treatment for advanced age-related macular degeneration, called "wet macular degeneration." This tretament is only carried out by an experienced eye doctor and retina specialist who has years of knowledge and experience with this type of eye disease. The injection is quick and painfree, and is carried out as a day patient case. You will be awake throughout the procedure, with a local anaesthetic eyedrops to numb the area. The good news is that recovery isn’t a long and painful experience. There is discomfort for a few days which can be easily managed with over the counter pain medication. Your eye surgeon will give you strict instructions you must follow after eye injections to ensure you don’t cause any further damage to the eye. Follow these instructions to the letter and don’t drive until your eye sight is completely back to normal. You may find that you will be sensitive to light for a few days, so make the most of your sunglasses, even on cloudy days. Be sure before you opt for any age-related macular degeneration treatment that you understand what is involved and the risks. Speak to your eye doctor and give them the opportunity to explain the entire process to you, ensuring you are comfortable in proceeding. Ensure that you are comfortable with your surgeon. Don’t be shy to ask questions about them, their experience and training and the procedure. They should be open and willing to answer all your questions, ensuring you are comfortable with them doing the procedure and feel relaxed about the entire idea. About Us: Mahi Muqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eye sight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Mahi Muqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit http://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com.