AMD affects the macula, the central portion of the retina, which is responsible for our detailed central vision that helps us to read, recognise faces and drive.
Symptoms include:
Your peripheral vision is usually unaffected.
There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet.
The dry type is more common and happens when the macula gets thinner over time and waste products (called drusen) get deposited within the macula.
The wet type is less common but happens when abnormal new blood vessels grow underneath the retina and leak fluid and/or blood. This can lead to a more rapid visual decline than dry AMD.
There is no active treatment for dry macular degeneration, although certain nutritional supplements, along with simp
Wet macular degeneration can be treated with intravitreal injections (known as anti-VEGF, or antivascular endothelial growth factor) which can stabilise and potentially improve vision. The injections are given on an outpatient basis and usually require a few rounds on a regular basis depending on the patient’s response.
Intravitreal injections are carried out in clinic as a quick day procedure. The eye often is a little gritty and red for the first 24-48 hours but usually no drops or other treatment is required between injections.
It’s important not to drive to appointments and have other arrangements for transport to and from the clinic.
Most patients tolerate and respond very well to treatment. Complications are rare, but can include:
Your surgeon will talk all this through with you.
Your optician or GP will discuss the various treatment options available to you and where you can choose to have your treatment. You’ll be able to take the time to decide where you’d like to be treated, and your GP or optician will make the arrangements for your referral.
Please follow your local protocol regarding referrals – we accept direct referrals by secure email, fax, OptoManager and post. Please call us on the number at the top of this page if you would like any further information about making a referral to Newmedica.
For optometrists
Send a letter to the patient’s GP with GOS18 requesting an onward referral via ERS.
For GPs and Referral Centres
Send a referral form to Newmedica with GOS18 by post or secure fax 020 7924 6262 or email to:
newmedica.referrals@nhs.net
Cataract and oculoplastic referrals will be assessed against local criteria.
Castleworks, 21 St George’s Road London, SE1 6ES
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