Classification and epidemiology of AMD

Question 1

What are the features of dry AMD?

Answer 1

drusen
pigmentary changes
RPE detachment
geographic atrophy
choroidal atrophy

Question 2

What are features of wet AMD?

Answer 2

choroidal neovascularisation
classic
occult
RPE detachment
fibrovascular scarring
vitreous haemorrhage

Question 3

What are the two types of drusen?

Answer 3

hard and soft

Question 4

What are the characteristics of hard drusen?

Answer 4

small (<63cm)
distinctly defined
yellow deposits

Question 5

What are the characteristics of soft drusen?

Answer 5

medium-large (>63cm)
amorphous
can merge together - confluent
heterogenous is size and shape

Question 6

What are the grading scales used for AMD ?

Answer 6

1. The Wisconsin age-related maculopathy grading system
2. International classification and grading system
3. Age-related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) classification

Question 7

What are the most significant fundus features that increase the risk of progress to late AMD?

Answer 7

Soft drusen and RPE changes

Question 8

What are the risk factors for AMD?

Answer 8

1. Systemic - hypertension, cholesterol
2. Genetics
3. Ocular - refractive error, iris colour, lens opacities, cataract surgery
4. Socio demographic - age, race, ethnicity, gender
5. Environmental - smoking, obesity, antioxidants, vitamins & minerals, alcohol, sun exposure