HEALTH
AMD ON THE INCREASE
World Retina Day took place on 28 September and the
Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA)
identified AMD as a vital topic for World Retina Day.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
is a common eye condition among people
aged 50. It is the most common cause of
registered blindness in the first world.
Millions of people globally have been
diagnosed with AMD and researchers
estimate that 25% of people over the age
of 65 may be affected by it. As the
population enjoys a longer life, the
number of those affected by AMD will
increase as well.
What is it?
AMD gradually destroys the macula, the
part of the eye that provides sharp, central
vision needed for seeing objects clearly. In
some people it advances so slowly that
vision loss does not occur for a long time.
In others the disorder progresses faster
and may lead to a loss of vision in one or
both eyes. The vision loss makes it
difficult to recognise faces, drive a car,
read, write, or do close work, such as
sewing or fixing things around the house.
Symptoms:
In its early stages, AMD may not have
symptoms and may be unrecognised until
it progresses or affects both eyes. The
first sign of macular degeneration is
usually distortion of straight lines. This
may progress to a gradual loss of central
vision.
Symptoms can include:
• Straight lines start to appear distorted,
or the centre of vision becomes distorted
• Dark, blurry areas or white out appears
in the centre of vision
• Diminished or changed colour perception
Risk factors
Although researchers do not have a
definitive picture of what causes AMD the
aging processes seem to be the biggest
risk factor by far. There are, however, a
number of additional factors that may put
a person at greater risk of developing
AMD.
• Genetics - New evidence exists that
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