Macular Degeneration

The macula is a small area of the retina, the light-sensitive layer inside the eye which is essential for sight. This part of the eye is essential because it provides the sharpest vision. When we are really concentrating on an object, the macula is the part of the eye that is responsible for how clearly we see it.

The macula allows us to see fine details, and to have the sharp vision necessary to read and write, to use a computer, to drive a vehicle, to do handywork, etc. This is also the part of the eye that allows us to see and distinguish between colours.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in Australia. AMD affects one in seven people over age 50. In people over age 75, this increases to one in three people. With AMD, the macula degenerates, and vision is gradually lost as the disease progresses.

In the past AMD led to blindness for many people. ‘Wet’ AMD, the worst kind of the disease, had no successful treatment options until recently.

The invention of a new type of drug has changed this for many sufferers of ‘wet’ AMD. These drugs prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels, and results have been very promising. One of these drugs, known as Lucentis, prevented further loss of vision in 90% of patients, and greatly improved vision in over 30% of patients.

Macular degeneration treatment is dependent on the specific type and severity of the condition. The following treatment options may be available: oral medications, eye drops, laser treatment, photodynamic therapy, eye injections or retinal surgery.