Macular Degeneration (AMD/ARMD)

Macular degeneration, frequently abbreviated AMD or ARMD is a condition that affects the central part of the retina known as the macula. There are two forms of AMD, the dry form and the wet form; the latter being more serious.

AMD is diagnosed by your eye doctor during an ophthalmoscopic examination of the retina. There he/she may see the presence of breaks underneath the retina called drusen, seen in both types of AMD. There is also sometimes underlying leakage of blood vessels, in "wet AMD" only. Fluorescein angiography is done to detect subtle changes and whether to intervene with any laser treatment (see below). The patient is also given a central visual field test and is usually asked to monitor at home using a special graph chart called an Amsler Grid.

Treatment for macular degeneration depends on which type is present, and the severity of the condition. For dry macular degeneration, most often little can be done surgically to improve the vision. Doctors will usually recommend using multi-vitamins containing anti oxidants to help prevent further deterioration of the macula. In the case of wet AMD, surgery may be performed depending on the severity of the leakage and the time it has been present, as shown during the angiography. Surgical results vary from patient to patient but can show several lines of improvement in visual acuity.

In both forms of AMD, your doctor will discuss options that include low vision. Low vision is a branch of eyecare which utilizes high magnification, closed-circuit TV, among other aids to help people who cannot be fully corrected with conventional eyeglasses for their condition.