ARMD

Question 1

What are the 2 types of ARMD and which one has the worst prognosis?

Which one makes up 90% of cases?

Answer 1

Wet - worse prognosis

Dry - 90% of cases

Question 2

ARMD is the commonest cause of blindness in the UK. T/F?

Answer 2

T

Question 3

Describe the sight loss associated with ARMD.

What is the particular word for this?

Answer 3

Central visual loss - scotoma

Question 4

What type of ARMD is associated with a rapid vision loss as compared to the other type that is a more insidious onset?

Answer 4

Wet - rapid loss

Question 5

What is drusen?
Where is it found?
With what examination tool is it likely to be seen and how will it appear?
What type of ARMD is it likely to present in?

Answer 5

Build up of lipids and proteins found between the RPE (retinal pigmented epi.) and Bruch’s membrane (layer between RPE and choroid)

Fundoscopy - yellow dots on retina

Dry

Question 6

How is dry AMRD managed?

Answer 6

There is no cure

• supportive management only
• advise to stop smoking

Question 7

What is the pathophysiology of wet ARMD

Answer 7

New blood vessels grow under the retina

Wet = blood

Question 8

How is wet ARMD managed?

Answer 8

Anti-VEGF intra-vitreal injections

Reduces angiogenesis

E.g. ranibizumab
Bevacizumab

Question 9

What is optical coherence technology used for?

Answer 9

Wet AMRD

• visualise fluid under and within retina

Question 10

Along with scotoma, what other symptoms may patients complain of?

Answer 10

• reduced acuity
• metamorphopsia (distortion - in wet)
• change in colour and shade perception (majority of cones are found at macula)