Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness affecting those 50 years or older. 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic, irreversible eye condition which affects the macula, which is the central portion of the retina, and is responsible for clear sharp central vision.

You can think of the macula as the “film/sensor” of the eye, just like in a camera. As such, damage to this area affects vision and can make it blurry, distorted or even result in a central grey/black patch that obscures your vision.

This impairs activities of daily living such as your ability to read, recognise faces or drive safely. 

The change in vision can be gradual or sudden depending on the type of AMD.

• In dry AMD, there is a gradual and slower loss of vision,
   
• In wet AMD, a rapid and severe loss of central vision is experienced

AMD may affect one eye first, or both eyes at the same time. 

What are the risk factors of AMD?

Ageing is the main risk factor for AMD, but genetics and family history may also play a role.

Cigarette smoke is also a major risk factor with a 2-4x higher risk of developing AMD.

Other potential risk factors include hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity and possibly UV exposure.

Thus, preventive actions such smoking cessation and avoiding second hand smoke, having a good diet, exercising regularly, controlling your blood pressure and sunglasses in high UV exposure environments can help to reduce the risk.

Early detection is the best protection 

Early detection of AMD is very important in the management of the condition, especially for wet AMD.

There are treatments that can delay or reduce the severity of the disease and that can significantly improve vision if done in a timely manner.

Thus, those at risk are encouraged to monitor their eyesight carefully and to go for regular check-ups with their eye doctor. 

If you have questions about the causes, symptoms and treatment for this condition, Dr Christopher Sun can help to answer them. Submit your questions now!

Dr Christopher Sun is an Associate Consultant with the Cataract and Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC).

He obtained his medical degree from the University of Western Australia in 2015 and subsequently completed his Ophthalmology residency at the Singapore National Eye Centre in 2023.

He was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologist UK in the same year. He is a sub-specialty fellow with the Medical Retina Department, under the Advanced Clinical Specialist Program. His interest in retina started early on in his residency with first author publications on different retinal diseases. 

In addition to his clinical work, he served as the Deputy Lead and Lead Resident in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Dr Sun is also an avid Clinician Educator and has been actively involved in teaching medical students throughout his residency though didactic sessions, clinical sessions as well as authoring online e-learning modules. As recognition of his commitment, he received the NUS YLL MedACE 2022 Junior Doctor teaching award. 

His current practice includes the management of general ophthalmology conditions such as cataracts, and retinal conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Ref: G25