It’s not uncommon for older people to wake up one morning and notice a dark spot right in the centre of their vision, making it difficult to recognise faces or read messages on the phone.
Such are the experiences of patients who find out they have Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). While the condition cannot be cured, there are treatments to manage it. Let’s explore what they’re all about!.
What is AMD?
AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. As the eye disease progresses, it can cause blurriness, distortion, and even central vision loss, making it difficult to read, drive, or recognise faces.
Types of AMD
There are two main types of AMD:
- Dry AMD (Non-Neovascular AMD): This is the most common type of AMD, accounting for about 90% of AMD cases. It occurs due to the thinning of the macula, gradually losing central vision.
- Wet AMD (Neovascular AMD): Less common but more severe, wet AMD develops when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, leaking fluid or blood and causing rapid vision loss if untreated.
Treatment for Dry AMD (Non-Neovascular AMD)
Although there is no known cure for dry AMD, certain treatments can manage it and help preserve vision.
Nutritional Supplements
Studies like the Age-Related Eye Disease Study suggest that a specific mix of vitamins and minerals can help delay the advancement of dry AMD. These include:
- Vitamin C and E
- Zinc and copper
- Lutein and zeaxanthin
These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, which contributes to macular damage.
Lifestyle Changes
Adopting healthy habits can help maintain eye health:
- Eat a diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and nuts, which provide essential nutrients for eye health.
- Quitting smoking, as smoking increases the risk and progression of AMD.
- Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from harsh UV light, which may contribute to retinal damage.
Monitoring and Regular Eye Exams
Since dry AMD can progress into the more severe wet AMD, regular check-ups with an eye specialist are essential. Self-monitoring using an Amsler grid can help detect early signs of vision changes, prompting timely intervention.
Treatment for Wet AMD (Neovascular AMD)
Wet AMD progresses rapidly, but early treatment can help stall vision loss and, in some cases, improve vision.
Anti-VEGF Injections
Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections are standard treatment for treating wet AMD. These medications include:
- Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
- Aflibercept (Eylea 2mg and Eylea 8mg)
- Bevacizumab (Avastin)
- Faricimab (Vabysmo)
They work by blocking abnormal blood vessel growth and reducing fluid leakage in the retina. Regular injections, ideally every 4-8 weeks, and guided by OCT macula scans to show improvements in the stoppage of leakages or recurrences of leakages, can help stabilise or improve vision in patients.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
PDT involves injecting a light-sensitive drug, verteporfin, into the bloodstream, followed by targeted laser treatment to seal off abnormal blood vessels. This AMD treatment is less commonly used today but may be an option for certain patients when combined with anti-VEGF therapy, which forms the mainstream of treatment..
Laser Surgery
Laser photocoagulation can destroy abnormal blood vessels to prevent further leakage and vision loss. However, this treatment is less frequently used because it can also damage surrounding healthy tissue. Anti-VEGF has largely replaced the use of laser procedures in most cases.
Managing AMD: Ongoing Care and Lifestyle Adjustments
Even with treatment, AMD requires ongoing management to maintain independence and quality of life.
Visual Rehabilitation
Visual rehabilitation programs help individuals adapt to vision changes by teaching techniques for maximising remaining vision and using assistive technology effectively.
Low Vision Aids
For those with severe AMD, low-vision aids can make everyday tasks easier:
- Magnifying glasses and screen readers for reading and computer use.
- High-contrast lighting to improve visibility.
- Smartphone apps with voice commands and text-to-speech functions to aid navigation and communication.
Get AMD Treatment in Singapore
With expert care and the right treatment plan, patients with AMD can continue leading fulfilling lives.
Angel Eye & Cataract Centre offers specialised AMD treatment, from early detection and monitoring to therapies like anti-VEGF injections and visual rehabilitation support.
If you suspect you have AMD or have noticed changes in your vision, schedule an appointment with us today for early intervention and personalised care.
