Opthalmology

Question 1

What is the most common cause of blindness in the UK

Answer 1

Age-related macular degeneration

Question 2

What are the 2 types of macular degeneration?

Answer 2

Dry macular degeneration (early age-related macular degeneration): formation of yellow drusen, accounts for 90% of MD

Wet macular degeneration (late age-related macular degeneration): neovascularisation leads to leakage of serum/blood exudate and can lead to a more rapid decline in vision - accounts for 10% and has worse prognosis

Question 3

What is the typical presentation of macular degeneration?

Answer 3

Presents with loss of visual acuity, especially for near-objects - this is gradual in dry but more sub-acute in wet.
Difficulty with adjusting to darkness / worsened vision at night
Fluctuant visual acuity day-to-day
Notice flickering / flashing lights (photopsia)

Question 4

What is the treatment for macular degeneration?

Answer 4

Dry - Zinc combined with Vits A, C , E

Wet - Anti-VEGF (e.g Ranibizumab, Bevacizumab, Pegaptanib) injection, usually 4 weekly