Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

Question 1

What is ARMD?

Answer 1

A macular disease which is a normal process of aging. It is typically bilateral.
It causes loss of central vision only, so peripheral vision is usually intact so sufferers are usually able to maintain independence as they can navigate.

Question 2

What is the difference between dry and wet ARMD?

Answer 2

Dry - slowly progressive degeneration in visual function
Wet - when the growth of new abnormally located blood vessels underneath the retina causes a sudden loss of vision by leakage of fluid or hemorrhage.

Question 3

Explain the pathology of dry ARMD

Answer 3

In the dry (nonexudative) form, cellular debris called drusen accumulates between the retina and the choroid, causing atrophy and scarring to the retina.

Question 4

What are some clinical features seen on fundoscopy for ARMD?

Answer 4

pupil reactions usually normal

drusen, small discrete yellowish deposits are seen at macula. So macula looks mottled.