A visual guide for patients explaining the features of age related macular degeneration that includes symptoms, types, causes, treatments and prevention brought by Jaheed Khan, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital and Harley Street, London. Further details at www.london-retina.com.
3. Types of AMD
Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration
Pale yellow deposits and worn out areas at the macula
4. Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration
Bleeding and fluid under and within the macula
5. Causes of Age Related Macular Degeneration
Occurs with ageing but exact cause unknown
6. Causes of Age Related Macular Degeneration
Lifestyle
Smoking triples the risk of developing AMD
7. Causes of Age Related Macular Degeneration
Genetics
No specific gene defect but appears to be a family pattern
8. Treatments for Age Related Macular Degeneration
No medical treatment for dry type
Magnifying vision and good illumination help
9. Treatments for Age Related Macular Degeneration
Lucentis injected into the gel of the eye can treat wet AMD
10. Prevention of Age Related Macular Degeneration
Role of vitamin supplements is not clear
Dark leafy vegetables are a good source of minerals found in the retina