Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in Australia. One in seven people over the age of 50 are affected by the disease and the incidence increases with age and is often called age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). There is progressive, painless loss of central vision, affecting the ability to see fine detail, drive, read and recognise faces.
The 2 main types of ARMD are dry and wet ARMD. Wet ARMD causes more rapid and severe loss of vision than dry ARMD. The aim of treatment of wet ARMD is to prevent the condition from getting worse and it may even restore lost vision. Treatment of wet ARMD is safe but is continued long term in most patients.
