Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in Australians over 60.The condition affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. This is the area you rely on for reading, recognising faces, driving and seeing fine detail.
What Is Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
The macula sits at the centre of the retina and enables sharp, central vision. When the macula becomes damaged, central vision deteriorates, while peripheral (side) vision typically remains intact.
AMD is a progressive condition. It primarily affects people over 60, and approximately one in seven Australians over 50 show signs of the disease. Risk factors include:
- Increasing age
- Family history
- Smoking
- Poor diet
- Cardiovascular disease and diabetes
Because early AMD may not cause obvious symptoms, regular comprehensive eye examinations are critical – particularly if you have risk factors.
Symptoms
Macular Degeneration affects central vision and may cause:
- Difficulty reading or performing tasks requiring fine detail
- Distortion, where straight lines appear bent or wavy
- Difficulty recognising faces
- Dark or empty patches in the centre of vision
- Reduced clarity or sharpness
Any sudden distortion or rapid change in central vision should be assessed promptly.
The Amsler Grid can be used at home to monitor for visual distortion. However, it is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace specialist examination.
Next Steps
If you notice changes in your central vision – or if you are at increased risk – a specialist retinal assessment is recommended.
While current treatments cannot restore vision already lost, early intervention can significantly slow progression and preserve remaining sight.
Our focus is proactive management: careful diagnosis, individualised treatment planning, and structured long-term monitoring.
Assessment & Diagnosis
A comprehensive macular assessment includes:
- Detailed retinal examination
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging
- Visual acuity testing
- Assessment of retinal structure and fluid
These investigations allow early detection of subtle macular changes and accurate classification of the type of AMD.
Ongoing review is an essential part of management, as progression can vary between individuals.
Treatments
Treatment depends on whether AMD is classified as Dry or Wet.
Dry Macular Degeneration
Dry AMD is the more common and slower-progressing form. It develops when deposits accumulate beneath the retina, leading to gradual thinning of the macula.
There is currently no direct surgical or injection treatment for dry AMD. Management focuses on:
- Specific antioxidant vitamin supplementation (when clinically indicated)
- Smoking cessation
- Optimising cardiovascular health
- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids
These measures can help slow progression and support long-term macular health.
Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet AMD is less common but more aggressive. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, leading to leakage of fluid or blood. This can cause sudden and significant central vision loss.
Treatment involves intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF medication, which:
- Reduce abnormal blood vessel growth
- Reabsorb fluid
- Stabilise, and in many cases improve, vision
Injections are highly effective, though ongoing treatment may be required to maintain results.
In selected cases, additional treatments such as laser therapy may be considered.
Recovery & Aftercare
For patients receiving intravitreal injections:
- Treatment is performed in a controlled clinical setting
- The procedure is brief and typically well tolerated
- Vision may be slightly blurred temporarily
- Regular follow-up appointments are required to monitor response
Macular Degeneration is a chronic condition that requires structured, long-term care. With appropriate monitoring and timely treatment, many patients maintain functional vision for years.