What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
AMD is a chronic irreversible medical condition that results in loss of vision in the centre of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina. The condition can make it difficult to read, recognise faces or drive safely. Peripheral vision remains intact in most people and this will allow them to remain independent with most of the other daily activities. AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness affecting those 50 years or older.
Studies from the Singapore Eye Research Institute have shown that smokers are four times more likely to develop the “wet” or advanced form of AMD than non-smokers.
What causes AMD?
AMD occurs in “dry” and “wet” forms. 90 per cent of AMD patients suffer from the “dry” form. Dry AMD results in slow progressive loss of central vision. The condition develops as the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down with age. Wet AMD, also known as exudative or neovascular AMD, is caused by the growth of small, abnormal blood vessels under the retina in the macula. Wet AMD usually arises from pre-existing dry AMD.
These abnormal blood vessels leak blood, fluid, lipids and protein, resulting in disruption of the normal structure of the retina. If it is not treated, scar tissue form under the macula and central vision is permanently destroyed. The “wet” form commonly results in advance visual loss within a short period of time.
