Macular degeneration treatment in Brisbane
What is the retina?
The retina is a light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that plays a crucial role in vision. The macula is at the retina’s centre and is responsible for central vision. The peripheral retina helps us to see objects and movement in our side vision.
Our retinal specialists diagnose and manage a range of conditions that affect the retina and its function, including:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR)
- Macular hole and epiretinal membrane
- Retinal vein occlusion
- Retinal detachment
What is the macula?
The macula is a small area at the centre of the retina. A healthy macula provides sharp, focused vision, allowing us to read, recognise faces, and see objects clearly in our direct line of sight.
What is age-related macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that causes progressive loss of central vision, leaving side (peripheral) vision intact. Approximately one in seven Australians over the age of 50 have some evidence of AMD. You can have early signs of AMD without knowing, which is why early detection is key.
Dry AMD is when retinal cells gradually die, leading to blurred or patchy central vision. Some people with dry AMD may go on to develop wet AMD.
Wet AMD is when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the retina. These new vessels can leak blood or fluid that damages the macula and lead to loss of central vision.
Am I at risk of macular degeneration?
The exact cause of macular degeneration is not yet fully understood. However, some people are at higher risk than others:
- You’re over the age of 60.
- You have a family history of AMD.
- You’re a smoker.
- You lack certain dietary vitamins and minerals.
- You have an inherited retinal condition or history of eye trauma.
If you’re in one of these risk categories, it’s essential to have regular eye examinations, including a check of the macula. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the better.
What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration can cause various symptoms, including:
- Blurred or reduced central vision.
- Distortion of straight lines.
- Dark or empty areas in your central vision.
- Difficulty recognising faces or details.
If you experience any changes in your vision, have your eyes and macula checked by an eye health professional. Early action and treatment are crucial to saving your sight.
How is macular degeneration diagnosed?
AMD is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. This may include visual acuity tests, pupil dilation, and retinal scans such as OCT imaging to assess your macula function and health.
How is AMD treated?
There is no cure for AMD but treatments are available, depending on the type and stage of the disease.
Studies show that for dry AMD, diet and lifestyle changes including nutritional supplementation can help slow disease progression.
Standard treatment for wet AMD involves regular injections of anti-VEGF medication into the eye. These stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels and fluid leakage. For most people, monthly injections are necessary, which may be reduced over time.
It's important to note that these measures can’t cure or completely reverse macular degeneration. They may help slow its progression and protect you from further vision loss.
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Frequently asked questions.
We know it can be hard to find the right information. And there are important decisions to be made. Here are some questions we’re frequently asked, but if you still need answers, just get in touch.
No, AMD will only affect your central vision. This is certainly a loss, but it’s not complete blindness. If you have AMD, treatment will either slow the rate at which it gets worse or stop progression altogether.
If you already have certain early signs of AMD, specialised vitamin supplements may slow its progression.
While the thought of having an injection in your eye may sound daunting, we’ll be there to talk you through it and make sure you’re relaxed. We numb your eye with drops and use an eyelid holder so you don’t have to worry about blinking. We carefully inject into a specific part of the white of your eye. You can’t see the needle, and you won’t feel anything sharp.
Just as with any surgical procedure, retinal surgery carries some potential risks. We’ll carefully explain these at your first consultation and provide clear guidance all the way.
Put your vision in safe hands.
Book a call with our friendly team to get started.
