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Introducing AMD -

Age-related macular degeneration–more commonly referred to as AMD–is a condition that affects the middle part of your vision.

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Introducing AMD -

Normally it first presents in people in their fifties and sixties, and although it does not cause total blindness, it can make everyday activities more difficult.

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Causes -

It is not known exactly what causes AMD, but it has been linked to certain behaviors, such as smoking, as well as high blood pressure, being overweight, and having a family history of AMD.

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Recognizing the symptoms -

It is important to recognize the symptoms of AMD, as without treatment the condition may quickly get worse.

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First symptoms -

The first symptom of AMD is often a blurred or distorted patch in your vision. It affects the middle of the eye, rather than the edges, and it can appear in one or both eyes.

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As the condition progresses -

If the condition worsens, it may become impossible to see anything in the middle of your vision. It may look as if there is a black spot in the middle of your field.

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Further symptoms -

In addition to the blurred or distorted area, other symptoms include seeing straight lines as wavy or crooked, and seeing objects as smaller than normal.

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Further symptoms -

Colors may also seem less bright than they used to, and you may start to see things that aren’t there (or in other words, you may start to hallucinate).

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No visible symptoms -

It is important to keep in mind that AMD is not painful, and it does not affect the outer appearance of your eyes. Sometimes it may be found at a routine eye test before you present with symptoms.

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When to seek urgent attention -

It is important that you see an eye doctor urgently if your vision suddenly gets worse, you have a dark shadow moving across your vision, and/or your eye is red and painful.

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When to seek urgent attention -

These are not symptoms of AMD, but they can be signs of other eye issues that need urgent medical attention.

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Diagnosing AMD -

At your appointment, the optician will most likely use a magnifying glass with a light to look at the back of your eye and check for any problems.

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Use of eye drops - They may use eye drops to make any problems easier for them to spot, and those drops may make your vision blurry for a few hours. It is important that you do not drive until your vision goes back to normal.

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Referral -

In some cases, you may be transferred to an eye doctor or a specialist AMD service. This usually only happens if you need to start treatment within a few days.

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After the diagnosis -

If you are diagnosed with AMD, your optician or eye doctor will talk to you about what the diagnosis means and what your treatment options are.

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Dry AMD -

If you have dry AMD, which means your vision gets worse gradually over several years, there is no treatment. However, vision aids can help reduce the impact the condition has on your life.

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Wet AMD -

If you have wet AMD, which means your vision gets worse quickly over a few weeks or months, you may need regular eye injections.

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Injections - You may also be recommended photodynamic therapy (PDT) alongside eye injections, if the injections themselves do not help. Usually this will need to be repeated every few months.

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Ongoing research - Research into AMD is ongoing, and you might want to ask your specialist to let you know about any studies you could take part in.

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Low-vision clinics -

If you are diagnosed with dry AMD, your specialist may refer you to a low-vision clinic, where you can get useful advice and practical support to cope with everyday activities.

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Paying attention to lifestyle -

It is also important, as with anything, to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is a good idea to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and stop smoking if you smoke.

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Supplements -

There is also some evidence that taking certain health supplements can stop AMD from getting worse, but this evidence is not definitive.

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AMD and driving -

In some cases, AMD can make it difficult for you to drive. If you are diagnosed with AMD, you should ask your specialist if they think you should stop driving.

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AMD and driving -

It is also worth asking whether you need to notify the driving authorities about your condition, since in some countries this is required by law.

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Regular checkups -

Once you have been diagnosed with AMD, you will have regular checkups with your specialist to see how your condition is progressing.

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Changes in symptoms - That said, you should always contact your specialist as soon as possible if your vision gets worse or you notice any new symptoms.

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Government benefits -

If your vision continues to get worse, you may want to consider registering as visually impaired. This may enable you to obtain financial assistance.

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Official registration -

Ask your specialist to check whether you meet the requirements to be registered and to complete the official certificate.

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Living with AMD -

Living with AMD can be very challenging, both for people suffering with the condition and for those around them.

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Available support -

In addition to support from your vision specialist, you may find it helpful to use support groups as you adapt to your life living with AMD.

See also: Vision-impaired celebrities who struggle with sight

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