Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a painless, irreversible, degenerative eye condition that affects the macula, which is the small central area of the retina that maintains our sharpest vision. The health of the macula determines our ability to read, recognize faces, drive, watch television, use a digital device, and perform any other detailed visual task.

ARMD is one of the leading causes of blindness among the elderly. There are two types of ARMD, dry and wet; dry ARMD is far more common, but wet ARMD is usually a more advanced disease state and is associated with rapid distortion and sudden loss of central vision.

At early stage of ARMD, there is no signs or symptoms. Then the symptoms may begin with impaired vision, eg: shape of an object seen as a straight line seen to be crooked. Over time the image disturbance area will turn into a black shadow that can become increasingly large and interfere with the view.

To date there is no effective treatment to completely cure the eyes of ARMD patients. For now, the treatment given is to slow ARMD from deteriorating as well as help restore the patient’s vision. Protect your eyes from the sun’s rays by wearing sunglasses or wearing a hat while outdoors or buildings. Every elderly is adviced for regular eye examination yearly and consult eye care practioners immediately if you have persistent vision impairment.