Macula

As you become older, daily tasks can sometimes become difficult but we are here to help

Are you aged 50 or over and experiencing difficulties with your vision? You could have a condition called macular degeneration – the largest cause of visual impairment in the UK, affecting up to 500,000 people.

As we age, our central vision (which allows you to see what is directly in front of you) tends to slow down, making it harder for you to see.

If you have noticed a deterioration in your vision, this may be caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a painless eye condition that only affects your central vision, rather than peripheral vision too.

There are two types of AMD – dry and wet. Dry AMD is caused when your macula (in the back of your eye) becomes damaged as a result of built-up waste called drusen. This is relatively common and is the less serious type of AMD, accounting for around nine out of ten cases.

Wet AMD develops when abnormal blood vessels form underneath the macula. This type of AMD can cause your vision to deteriorate within days.

There is currently no cure for either type of AMD. However, at Eye Smile, we will be able to manage and maintain your vision for as long as possible, while providing you with tips to ensure the condition does not progress any further.

You may be able to reduce your risk of developing AMD by:

• Stopping smoking, if you are a smoker.
• Eating a balanced and healthy diet.
• Moderating the amount of alcohol you consume.
• Wearing UV-protective glasses when outside for long periods.

If you would like more information about AMD, please book an appointment with a member of our friendly team by calling 020 8755 7900. Alternatively you can send us an email to opticians@eyesmile.com. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!