Macular degeneration affects the macula.
The macula is a small region at the back of your eye responsible for the central part of your vision.
Currently the exact cause for Age Related Macular Degeneration is not known. Some things that are thought to increase your chances of developing AMD.
Possible causes of Macular Degeneration:
- AGE: Age Related Macular Degeneration develops more commonly as you age
- GENES: some genes have been identified which seem linked to the development of AMD. Not all AMD is thought to be inherited
- SMOKING: smoking greatly increases your risk of developing Age Related Macular Degeneration
- SUNLIGHT: studies suggest that exposure to high levels of sunlight may increase your risk of developing Age Related Macular Degeneration
- DIET: a number of studies have looked at diet as a risk factor for someone developing Age Related Macular Degeneration. There is evidence that vitamins A, C and E and zinc may help to slow the progression of AMD in people who already have the condition.
Wet & Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Dry AMD is the most common type and usually develops very slowly resulting in gradual deterioration in your central vision. At its worst, dry AMD causes a blank patch in the centre of your vision.Wet AMD develops quickly and affects 10-15% of people with AMD. It occurs when the macular cells stop working correctly and blood vessels grow to try and fix the problem. They grow in the wrong place causing swelling and bleeding underneath your macula, eventually leading to scarring which damages your central vision. Treatment is now available for certain types of wet AMD.