Macular Degeneration

Question 1

What is macular degeneration?

Answer 1

Chronic ocular condition of unknown aetiology causing progressive central visual loss, typically in older patients

Question 2

What are the two types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Answer 2

Dry AMD (geographical) Wet AMD (exudative)

Question 3

What is dry AMD?

Answer 3

Associated with the development of the characteristic yellow drusen (yellow cellular debris) which accumulates between the RPE and the choroid (waste product of retina that the eye cannot get rid of)

* 90% of AMD cases

Question 4

What is wet AMD?

Answer 4

More severe and faster progressing variant of AMD that is associated neovascularisation membrane in the sub RPE or sub retinal space, invariably resulting in haemorrahge and ischaemia * 10% of AMD cases

Question 5

Sx of AMD

Answer 5

Typically presents as an older pt who complains of:

• Central blurry vision
• Dark spots in visual field = scotoma
• Distorted vision (metamorphopsia)
• Dramatic decrease in visual acuity

Question 6

Rx of AMD

Answer 6

Anti-VGEF 1/month injections directly into the eye

(prevents proliferation of BVs)