Retina

Conditions we treat

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Central serous retinopathy
• Cystoid macular oedema
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Macular hole
• Macular pucker
• Retinal detachment
• Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
• Vein occlusions

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

As the name suggests, this is a disease associated with ageing. It gradually destroys the sharp central vision needed to see objects clearly or in detail, because it affects the macula, the central part of the retina with the keenest visual potential.

AMD causes painless loss of vision. The risk of developing macular degeneration increases with age. Other proposed risk factors include smoking, obesity, family history and excessive sunlight exposure.

In the early stages, the transport of nutrients and waste by the retinal pigment epithelium slows down. The waste accumulates under the retina to form yellow deposits called drusen, which can be identified on examination.

Dry AMD (atrophic AMD)

This type rarely causes severe visual loss. It is characterised by the accumulation of drusen in the macular region. At this stage a person notices blurred vision and often needs brighter light for reading and other tasks. As the disease progresses, the cones at the macula break down, resulting in a blind spot (scotoma).

Treatment

There is no proven prevention or treatment for the dry type of AMD. Patients are advised to take vitamin therapy, following the AREDS study, and to control the risk factors. Careful self-monitoring with an Amsler grid and regular examination with a retina specialist is essential, as some people with the dry type progress to the more severe wet type.

Monitoring

The Amsler grid is a grid of evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines, with a small dot in the centre for fixation. It is used to test the macula at home.

If you have diabetes

Annual retina examination is essential. Diabetic retinopathy develops without visible symptoms — see our note on why an eye check-up matters with diabetes, or simply book an evaluation.