AMD is a disease associated with aging that affects the central vision. Central vision is needed to see detailed objects clearly and is important for everyday tasks such as reading and driving.
Some forms of AMD advance slowly so people may not notice their vision getting worse until the later stages of the disease. Other forms progress faster and can lead to sudden loss of vision.
Effective treatments exist for some types of AMD. Early detection may therefore prevent vision loss.
AMD does not usually cause pain. It often has no symptoms in the early stages.
People with AMD may have some or all of the following symptoms:
Distorted vision: straight lines may appear bent or wavy.
Difficulty with reading or clearly seeing faces that does not improve with prescription glasses.
Dark patches or empty spaces (‘blindspots’) in the centre of the vision.
People aged over 40. The risk also increases sharply with age. It is estimated that around one in seven people aged over 50 have AMD. For each decade after 40, the risk trebles.
People with a family history of AMD (parent or sibling).
Smokers.
Have regular eye tests with an eye health professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist). These should include a check of the macula at the back of the eye.
Visit an eye health professional without delay if vision changes.
Stop smoking.
Eat a healthy diet including fish, nuts, fresh fruit and leafy green vegetables.
Early diagnosis and treatment with Anti-VEGF treatments can slow AMD or stop it from getting worse. Do not wait for symptoms, have regular eye tests.
SAVE YOUR SIGHT – GET TESTED.
Factors that increase your risk of developing ectropion include:
Age. The most common cause of ectropion is weakening muscle tissue associated with aging.
Previous eye surgeries. People who have had eyelid surgery are at higher risk of developing ectropion later.
Previous cancer, burns or trauma. If you’ve had spots of skin cancer on your face, facial burns or trauma, you’re at higher risk of developing ectropion.
