Age Related Macular Degeneration

Question 1

The most common cause of blindness in the UK is…

Answer 1

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Question 2

What are the different types of AMD? Which has a worse prognosis?

Answer 2

• Dry AMD (90% of cases)

- Wet AMD (10% of cases) = worse prognosis

Question 3

Describe a key finding on fundoscopy which is associated with dry and wet AMD

What are these?

Answer 3

Drusen - deposits of protein and lipid

Question 4

Describe a key finding on fundoscopy which is seen in wet AMD

Answer 4

Choroidal neovascularisation

Question 5

Describe the typical presentation of AMD

Answer 5

• Central loss of vision (central scotoma)

- Crooked/wavy appearance to straight lines

Question 6

What is a scotoma?

Answer 6

A central patch of vision loss

Question 7

Which test can be used to assess distortion of straight lines?

Answer 7

Amsler grid test

Question 8

How is AMD diagnosed?

Answer 8

Slit-lamp microscopy

Question 9

Describe the management of dry AMD

Answer 9

Management focusses on lifestyle measures to slow progression, e.g. smoking cessation

Question 10

Describe the management of wet AMD

Answer 10

Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) medications, e.g. ranibizumab