Retina - Putting your Vision First
The most common cause of blindness in Australia is Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which affects one in seven people over the age of 50. This increases to one in three people over the age of 75. AMD can only be diagnosed by examining the retina.
Vision Retinal Institute doctors are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of macular degeneration and other retinal conditions. They use the latest retinal scanning technology to detect changes in your retina, so you can be treated as early as possible. The earlier your condition is detected and treated, the more likely you are to slow down the progression of the disease.
What is the Macula?
The macula is a small area of the retina. It is the light-sensitive layer inside the eye which is essential for the sense of sight. The macula is very important because it provides the sharpest vision, hence, it is responsible for how clearly we see something when we are concentrating our attention on it.
The macula allows us to see the fine details in things, and it provides us with the vision we need in order to read and write, to use a computer, to drive a vehicle, to sew or do other handiwork, to observe scenery, to watch sports, etc. It also is the area of the retina that as allows us to see and differentiate colours.
What is AMD?
AMD involves the degeneration of the central part of the retina (the macula) causing loss of vision as the disease progresses. In the past, having AMD meant going blind for many people.
The worst form of the disease is known as 'wet' AMD and had no successful treatment options available until recently. Thankfully this changed with the introduction of a revolutionary new type of drug called an anti-VEGF that prevents the growth of the abnormal blood vessels. The results from regular treatment with these drugs have been very impressive, with one such drug (ranibizumab), preventing further loss of vision in more than 90%, and greatly improving vision in more than 30% of patients.
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