Age Related Macular Degeneratiom

Question 1

What is ARMD

Answer 1

Progressive condition affecting macula

Most common cause of blindness in UK

Two types: wet (neovascular) and dry (non neovascular - most common)

Question 2

What is the difference between wet and dry ARMD

Answer 2

Wet ARMD involves neovascularisation triggered by VEGF into the retina leading to fluid leaking out causing vision loss. Worse prognosis. Presents more acutely

Dry ARMD has no neovascularisation, better prognosis. Presents less acutely

Question 3

Risk factors of ARMD

Answer 3

Older age
Smoking
FH
CV disease
Obesity
Poor diet lacking vitamins and high in fat

Question 4

Signs and symptoms of ARMD

Answer 4

Gradual central vision loss over 2-3 years
Bilateral eye sx in later stages
Inability to read small text
Metamorphopsia

Signs:
Reduced visual acuity
Scotoma
Metamorphopsis on Amsler grid test
Drusen on fundoscopy

Question 5

Investigations of ARMD

Answer 5

Snellen chart
Amsler grid test
Slit lamp examination to assess retina and macula
Optical coherence tomography
Fluorescein angiography to assess for oedema and neovascularisation