age related macular degeneration

Question 1

symptoms

Answer 1

AMD affects the middle part of your vision, not the edges
you can get it in 1 or 2 eyes
-first symptom is often blurred or distorted area in your vision
-AMD can make things like reading, watching tv, driving or recognising faces difficult
-seeing straight lines as crooked/wavy
-objects looking smaller than normal
-colours seem less bright
-seeing things that are not there

Question 2

causes

Answer 2

exact cause is unknown

has been linked to smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight, and having family history

Question 3

prevention

Answer 3

stop smoking
know family history
maintaining a healthy blood pressure and weight

Question 4

diagnostic techniques

Answer 4

• optical appointments

- referral to specialist, eye doctor, specialist AMD service

Question 5

treatments

Answer 5

treatment depends on the type you have

• wet AMD- you may need regular eye injections on occasionally light treatment called photo dynamic therapy to stop vision getting worse
• dry AMD- no treatment but vision aids can help to reduce the effect on life

Question 6

how to live with it

Answer 6

• help without vision
• staying healthy
• driving
• monitoring and check ups
• registering as sight impairing
• getting more help/support-therapy