What is it?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic, painless eye disease associated with ageing that affects the macula, leading to central vision loss.

Your macula is a small oval shaped area, only about 5.5 mm in diameter big, in the centre part of your retina at the back of the eye. Your macula is responsible for your sharp central vision and most of your colour vision. It is used for seeing the fine detail of objects, for example, when looking at images, reading, watching television, or driving.

According to the Centre for Eye Research Australia, AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss in Australia, and it is most common in those aged over 50. It is estimated that one in seven Australians over the age of 50 have signs of AMD, although not all people will go on to experience serious vision loss.

Types of AMD

There are two types of AMD:

Dry AMD is caused by the gradual degeneration or dying of the cells in the macula, causing it to get thinner. Dry AMD is quite common and usually less aggressive with a slow, more gradual progression of vision loss.

Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina which cause fluid leakage and can interfere with vision, damage the macula and cause more rapid and severe vision loss.

For more information

• Talk to your eye care professional.
• Visit Macular Disease Foundation.

Always speak to your GP and eye care professional about the best treatment options for you.