Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Can you spot the difference?

AMD-1

AMD-2

We can

One in two cases of sight loss is caused by AMD.

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition which mainly affects people over the age of 50. It is estimated that one in every 10 people over the age of 65 has some degree of AMD. The disease attacks the macula of the eye, where our sharpest central vision occurs. Although it rarely results in complete blindness, it robs the individual of all but the outermost, peripheral vision, leaving only dim images or black holes at the centre of vision.

There are two types of AMD; Dry AMD and Wet AMD. Dry AMD progresses slowly and is the most common form of macular degeneration, affecting 90% of the people who have the condition. Dry AMD may progress into Wet AMD, which is a more advanced form of macular degeneration. Central vision loss is more rapid and causes severe vision impairment if left untreated.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Wet or Dry AMD, however there are a number of treatment options available to slow the rapid progression of Wet AMD and there is some evidence to suggest certain dietary supplements may slow the progression of Dry AMD. However, early diagnosis and commencement of treatment or supplementation is required to minimise vision loss.

Why should I have a SPECTRALIS® 4D HD Eye Health Check?

Early detection and rapid referral for treatment are key to saving sight.

Having the ability to scan your eyes for changes and monitor the progression of these changes over time is the key to detecting eye disease and minimising the risk of sight loss. SPECTRALIS can measure tiny changes in your eye over time to 1/1000 millimetre at every visit. Your eye care professional will keep a record of all your check-ups and be able to compare past scans with current ones to check for early signs of AMD and monitor the progression of a confirmed case of AMD.

The result is a truly 4-dimensional eye health check. The SPECTRALIS 4D HD Eye Health Check offers you the peace of mind that comes with knowing if your eyes are healthy or that your eye care professional will see the smallest change before you do.

Where can I find out more about AMD?

You can find out more about the different types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of AMD here: http://www.nhs.uk/

Comments

We would like to point out that as an instrument manufacturer, Heidelberg Engineering does not conduct any examinations. A professional ophthalmic examination can and must be performed only by your eye care professional and is absolutely necessary for a precise diagnosis, treatment recommendation, and follow-up.

Heidelberg Engineering cannot answer any questions on individual symptoms or make diagnoses. In these cases, please contact your eye care professional.

The diagnostic instruments from Heidelberg Engineering support your eye care professional in making a diagnosis. However, please note that a diagnostic decision should not be made on the basis of only a single examination.

Eye care professionals should always get a comprehensive idea of the situation before making a clinical assessment of a patient. For this reason, they will always incorporate additional clinical information into their diagnoses, such as family history, the progression of the disease, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, or an examination using a slit lamp.

Heidelberg Engineering makes no claim to completeness of the data. This website is purely a knowledge platform for you to use as a basis of information. We assume no liability for the content of links to external websites.

Contact

Heidelberg Engineering Ltd.
55 Marlowes
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
HP1 1LE
United Kingdom

Telephone: 01442 502 330
Fax: 01442 242 386

Email: Info-UK@HeidelbergEngineering.com
www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk