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MACULAR DEGENERATION
Your eye is like a camera that takes pictures of the world around you. At the back of your eye is a screen called the retina and its role is to capture light that enters the eye and convert it into images that you can see.
The macula is a tiny area of the retina which helps you see really sharp detail especially when you are looking straight at something.
Many conditions can affect the macula. Some conditions are inherited and are known as macular dystrophies, but some diseases can develop over time. Age related macular degeneration (ARMD or AMD) is the most common condition usually affecting people over the age of 55. It can cause blurred or distorted vision, especially in the central part of your sight.
TYPES OF AMD
There are two main types of macular degeneration: dry AMD and wet AMD. In dry AMD, small deposits called drusen form at the macula, gradually causing it to thin and break down.
Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grown beneath the macula, leaking fluid and blood which can cause more rapid vision loss. Approximately 10-15% of people with dry AMD develop wet AMD.
Normal
Wet
Dry
Dry AMD
Lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements may help to slow its progression.
Your clinician may recommend a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and E, zinc, copper, lutein and zeaxanthin.
Wet AMD
Treatment for wet AMD can involve injections of medications called anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) into the eye.
These drugs can help to reduce the abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage, which can slow down vision loss and, in some cases, improve vision. Photodynamic therapy and laser therapy may also be used in certain cases.
WHAT WILL YOU NOTICE?
Macular degeneration can cause blurred or distorted vision, especially in the central part of your sight when reading or looking at detail. It is common that straight lines can appear wavy, or patches can be missing from your vision. You may describe this as a smudge in your vision that does not go away. This maybe more noticeable when one eye is covered.
Normal
AMD
TREATMENT
While there is no cure for macular degeneration, treatments such as medications, laser therapy or injections into the eye can help to slow its progression and manage symptoms. Early detection and treatment can save vision, so regular eye examinations are important.
HOW TO MONITOR YOUR VISION
If your clinician has advised you have early AMD it is important for you to monitor any changes in your vision. 
An Amsler chart is a grid of straight lines with a central fixation point which can be used to help record vision changes caused by macular degeneration and other retinal disorders.
It is best to monitor your vision weekly using the Amsler chart.
HOW TO USE THE AMSLER CHART
1 Wear your reading glasses.
2 Hold the chart at eye level about 30cm (12 inches) away from your eye.
3 Cover one eye and look at the central black dot.
4 Are all the lines straight? Do you see any distorted or wavy lines or any patches missing?
5 Draw onto the chart if any lines appear wavy or distorted and note which eye.
6 Repeat the process with the other eye covered using a different coloured pen to draw.
If you notice any new changes such as straight lines appearing wavy, a blurred or grey patch in your vision or objects appearing a smaller size then normal you should contact your clinician as soon as possible.
GETTING REFERRED TO EVOLUTIO
If your GP or optician suspects you may have an eye condition that requires further investigation, they will refer you for a comprehensive assessment. Evolutio conducts thousands of ophthalmology assessments annually 
under the NHS.
To be referred to Evolutio, your GP or optician will need to send your referral directly to us.
All appointments and treatments are fully funded by the NHS.
