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Macula Degeneration

Macular degeneration, also known as dry macular degeneration is an eye disorder which is common amongst people older than 50 years of age. It occurs due to the macula thinning, which leads to blurred or reduced central vision. The macula is the part of the retina which is responsible for clear vision in the direct line of sight.

Dry macular degeneration may affect one eye before it affects both the eyes. As macular degeneration progresses, your vision may worsen, which may affect your reading and driving ability, but this may happen if left untreated.

When to see the ophthalmologist?

You will need to the ophthalmologist if notice changes in your central vision and changes in your ability to see colours. These changes may be the first sign of macular degeneration, especially for people over 50 years. You may experience symptoms such as:

• Visual distortions where straight lines look as if they are bent
• Central vision in your eyes is reduced
• Increased blurriness of printed words
• Difficulty in recognising people
• The urge for a brighter light especially when you are reading
• Decreased intensity or brightness of colours

It’s difficult to notice symptoms or changes in your vision when only one eye is affected due to the eye compensating for the weak eye. 

What does surgery involve?

Macular degeneration surgery is recommended for slowing down or prevent you from losing too much of your vision. Dr Davey may perform either of the below surgeries depending on your condition.

• Laser therapy. During this procedure, Dr Davey will use high energy laser light to destroy the abnormal blood vessel that may be growing in your eye.
• Photodynamic laser therapy. During this procedure, Dr Nicholas Davey will inject a light-sensitive drug called a verteporfin, in your bloodstream. This drug is then absorbed by the abnormal blood vessels. Dr Davey will then shine a laser into your eye so that it triggers the medication to damage those blood vessels.