Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)
Diagnosis and advanced management of ARMD — slowing disease progression and preserving central vision with modern therapies.
What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)?
A progressive retinal condition causing loss of central vision, commonly seen with ageing.
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a deterioration of the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. The primary cause of ARMD is ageing.
When the macula degenerates, fine tasks such as reading, threading a needle, recognising faces or seeing details become difficult. Although the macula occupies a small portion of the retina, it is far more sensitive to detail than the peripheral retina, which provides side vision.
ARMD usually begins in one eye and may gradually affect the other. Many people remain unaware of the condition until noticeable vision changes occur or during a routine eye examination.
How Does Macular Degeneration Occur?
With ageing, deposits called drusen may accumulate under the macula. In some cases, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood. Both processes damage the macula and lead to blurred or distorted central vision.
ARMD alone rarely causes total blindness. Even in advanced stages, most patients retain peripheral vision, allowing them to move around independently.
The exact cause of dry ARMD is unknown, but research suggests a combination of heredity and environmental factors such as smoking, obesity and diet.
Types of Macular Degeneration
Dry Macular Degeneration (Atrophic ARMD)
Dry ARMD is the most common form and usually affects people over 50. It occurs due to thinning of the macula and accumulation of drusen under the retina. Vision loss is typically slow and gradual.
Although dry ARMD can affect one or both eyes, most patients retain their peripheral vision. Early detection and nutritional support may help slow disease progression.
Common Symptoms of Dry ARMD
- Straight lines appearing bent or distorted
- Reduced central vision
- Need for brighter light while reading
- Difficulty adapting to low light
- Increased blurriness of printed text
- Reduced brightness or intensity of colours
- Difficulty recognising faces
- Blurry or blind spot in central vision
Wet Macular Degeneration (Exudative ARMD)
Wet ARMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina from the choroidal layer and leak fluid or blood. Vision loss is usually faster and more severe than in dry ARMD.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preserve central vision. If wet ARMD develops in one eye, there is an increased risk of it occurring in the other eye.
Symptoms of ARMD
- No symptoms in early and intermediate dry ARMD
- Blurred central vision
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- Straight lines appearing wavy or crooked
- Dark or blank spots in central vision
- Faded or dull colours
Straight lines appearing wavy is an important warning sign and requires immediate eye evaluation.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor?
You should get evaluated if you notice changes in central vision, difficulty seeing fine details or colours, or if you are over 60 years of age.
People with a family history of ARMD, smokers, those with heart disease, high cholesterol or obesity are at a higher risk.
How is ARMD Diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes retinal examination, Amsler grid testing and advanced imaging techniques.
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): Detailed imaging of retina and macula
- OCTA: Dye-free imaging of retinal blood vessels
Maa Nursing Home and NetraJyoti Eyecare Centre are equipped with advanced OCT and OCTA technology for precise diagnosis.
Treatment for ARMD
- Anti-VEGF Injections: Reduce growth and leakage of abnormal blood vessels
- LASER Therapy: Used in selected cases of wet ARMD to seal abnormal vessels
- Photodynamic Therapy: Combination of medication and laser to block leaking vessels
- Nutritional Supplements: Vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper as prescribed
Prevention & Risk Reduction
- Regular eye examinations
- Avoid smoking
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet rich in leafy greens and fish
Who Is at Risk?
- Age above 60 years
- Family history of ARMD
- Smokers
- Heart & cholesterol issues