Macular degeneration is one of the most common sight defects, accounting for about a third of all visual impairment in this country. Usually it effects the over 50s and is therefore called age related Macular degeneration.

Conditions affecting the macula of younger people are slightly different and not covered in this leaflet. For further information on these conditions, please consult an eye specialist.

What is the Macular?

At the back of the eye is a layer of light sensitive tissue called the retina. The macula is found at the centre of the retina where the incoming rays of light are focused. The macula is very important and is responsible for:

• what we see straight in front of us
• the vision needed for detailed activities such as reading and writing
• our ability to see colour

What is Age Related Macula Degeneration?

In age related macula degeneration the highly specialised macula area has been affected. Sometimes the delicate cells of the macula become damaged and stop working. We do not know why this is, although it tends to happen when people get older. This is called age-related macula degeneration.

Because macula degeneration is an age-related process it usually involves both eyes, although they may not be affected at the same time. With many people the visual cells simply cease to function, like the colours fading in an old photograph.

Macula degeneration is not painful, and never leads to total blindness. It is the most common cause of poor sight in people over 60, but never leads to complete sight loss, because it is only the central vision that is affected. Macula degeneration never effects vision at the outer edges of the eye. This means that almost everyone with macula degeneration will have enough side vision to get around and keep their independence.

What are the symptoms?

In the early stages your central vision may be blurred or distorted, with things looking an unusual size or shape. This may happen quickly or may develop over several months. You may be very sensitive to light or actually see lights that are not there. This may cause some discomfort occasionally, but otherwise macula degeneration is not painful.

The macula enables you to see fine detail and people with the advanced condition will often notice a blank patch or dark spot in the centre of their sight. This makes activities like reading, writing and recognising small objects or faces very difficult.

What can be done to help?

Unfortunately, age-related macula degeneration cannot be completely cured and there is no treatment available for those who experience a gradual deterioration of their sight. If your sight deteriorates rapidly, or sudden distortion of objects occurs, this can be due to blood vessels growing under the retina. Laser treatment may then be possible and may prevent further deterioration.

What should I do if I think I have macula degeneration?

If you suspect that you may have macula degeneration but there are no acute symptoms, you should see your doctor or optometrist (optician) who will refer you to an eye specialist. If you have acute symptoms then you should consult your doctor or local casualty department immediately.

If macula degeneration has already been diagnosed in one of your eyes, and your other eye is getting acute symptoms, then you should go to the hospital that usually looks after you, or your local casualty department as soon as possible.

What does an examination involve?

Firstly there will be an assessment of your vision in both eyes. Then you will be given eye drops, which will enlarge your pupil so that the eye specialist can look into your eye. The drops take about 20 minutes to work, although their effect may last for several hours. Your vision will become blurred for a while and your eyes will become very sensitive to light, but this is nothing to worry about.

Can I be helped to see better?

Don't be discouraged; you can be helped to see better. Disciform degeneration laser treatment can help some people if the condition is diagnosed early enough. There are also a variety of optical aids, which make use of the parts of the retina that are not affected. These range from brighter reading lights and simple magnifying glasses to more sophisticated equipment. Ask your doctor to refer you to the hospital low vision clinic.

The Macula Disease Society has local advisory and support groups for people with macula degeneration throughout the UK.

For further details please contact:
The General Secretary
Macula Disease Society
Moonraker, Cobbett's Hill
Weybridge
Surrey
KT13 0UA
Telephone: 01932 829331

The Partially Sighted Society offers information and advice, publications, aids to vision, enlargement services and local support to help you make the most of your vision.

For further details please contact:
The Partially Sighted Society
Queen's Road
Doncaster
DN1 2NX
Telephone: 01302 323132