Macular Degeneration Flashcards
What is the most common cause of blindness in the UK?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
What are the two types of AMD?
- Wet (neovascular) * Dry (non-neovascular)
What are some risk factors for AMD?
- Age * Family history * Smoking * Hypertension * Diet (high fat intake) * White ethnicity
What percentage of AMD cases are dry AMD?
Accounts for 90% of AMD.
What are the characteristics of dry AMD?
- Non-exudative, non-neovascular * Drusen (small yellow deposits on fundoscopy) * Pigmentary changes * Geographic atrophy
What is a key feature of wet AMD?
Choroidal neovascular membrane.
What drives the development of new blood vessels in wet AMD?
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
What is a common history feature in dry AMD?
Gradual loss of central vision.
What is a common history feature in wet AMD?
Acute loss of central vision.
What is metamorphopsia?
Crooked or wavy appearance to straight lines.
What is assessed during a vision examination for AMD?
- Reduced visual acuity (snellen chart) * Central scotoma * Amsler grid * Fundoscopy
What are some differential diagnoses for gradual loss of vision?
- Dry AMD * Open-angle glaucoma * Cataract * Diabetic retinopathy
What are some differential diagnoses for sudden, painless loss of vision?
- Wet AMD * Retinal detachment * Central retinal artery occlusion * Giant cell (temporal) arteritis * Vitreous haemorrhage * Retinal vein occlusion
What is the management approach for dry AMD?
- No specific treatment * Monitor and reduce risk of progression
What lifestyle changes can help manage dry AMD?
- Avoid smoking * Control blood pressure * Vitamin supplements
What is a common treatment for wet AMD?
Intra-vitreal anti-VEGF.
