Millions of Australians and people worldwide are affected by common eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataract. Different eye conditions affect your vision and your daily activities in different ways. For example, macular degeneration affects your central vision and daily activities such as reading. On the other hand, conditions such as glaucoma reduce your peripheral vision when it is at an advanced stage. Cataract generally cause blurred vision, glare, and reduced night vision.
MACULAR DEGENERATION
It is estimated that 1.9 million Australians currently live with macular degeneration. A staggering 8.5 million Australians are at risk of developing this sight-threatening condition. Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration, AMD or ARMD, is responsible for 50% of legal blindness in Australia.
The demonstrated expertise at City Eye Centre and access to the latest diagnostic imaging technology are crucial in detecting early changes in macular degeneration. This leads to prompt diagnosis, effective treatment and comprehensive follow-ups.
What are the Risk Factors of Macular Degeneration?
Risk factors of macular degeneration include age, family history, diet and smoking. Stopping smoking is one modifiable factor to significantly reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration.
Age
People over the age of 50 are at risk of developing macular degeneration. It is estimated that there is a 3x higher risk of developing macular degeneration in those who are over 75 years of age. Early detection of macular degeneration through regular comprehensive eye examination and OCT scanning is crucial.
Smoking
People who smoke have a 6x increased risk of developing macular degeneration. They also develop the condition 5-10 years earlier than non-smokers. Once macular degeneration is diagnosed and treated, it has been observed that smoking is linked to poorer outcomes with anti-VEGF treatments. Stopping smoking is the single most powerful modifiable factor to reduce the risks of developing macular degeneration.
Family History
50% of macular degeneration risk profile is attributed to the person’s genetic makeup. This suggests that people with a family history of macular degeneration have a 50% chance of developing the disease. There are now over 35 genes linked to the development of macular degeneration. At least 70% of cases of macular degeneration have a genetic link.
Nutrition
Nutrition plays an important role in optimising general wellbeing and eye health. The type of diet consumed has been associated with risks of developing macular degeneration. Diets containing processed foods with high amounts of saturated fats, trans fats and omega-6 fatty acid have been linked with an increased risk of developing macular degeneration. Use of antioxidant vitamins, which contain zinc, vitamin C & E, lutein and zeaxanthin such as Macuvision Plus, Bioglan Multi Plus Vision, Macutec Daily, and MD Eyes has been reported to be useful. They help in reducing the progression of some macular degeneration by reducing oxidation damage to the retinal cells. The usual dosage is one tablet per day.
What are the Current Treatments for Macular Degeneration?
Current treatments of macular degeneration include intravitreal injections with Eylea (aflibercept) or Eylea HD. These anti-VEGF drugs are highly effective in preserving vision for the intermediate or late type of macular degeneration, where there is leakage of fluid in the retina.
Currently, early dry macular degeneration requires monitoring only and does not require anti-VEGF treatment. Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) has been approved by the TGA for the late atrophic (thinning) type of macular degeneration termed geographic atrophy. Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) is another new treatment on the horizon for geographic atrophy.
City Eye Centre is highly experienced at providing the most up-to-date treatment for macular degeneration. Dr Lawrence Lee, is at the forefront in the management of medical retina diseases. His expertise helps save sight in many patients with macular degeneration.
Once your vision has stabilized, we will manage your macular degeneration through comprehensive monitoring and follow-ups. To read more about the current treatments on macular degeneration, please click here.
CATARACTS
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of reduced, distorted vision and glare. More than 90% of people develop cataracts by the age of 65. Cataracts develop gradually over time. This means that symptoms from cataracts may not be noticed initially. Patients with a family history of cataracts, diabetes, smoking, prolonged UV exposure, blunt trauma and previous eye surgeries may develop cataracts earlier and also at a faster rate. To learn more about the condition, please click here.
What Should You Consider If You Require Cataract Surgery?
If you have been referred to us for a cataract assessment, we will advise you on the extent of how the cataract has impacted your vision. We will also discuss in depth with you the risks and benefits of whether to go ahead with the cataract surgery. A discussion about your occupation and activities that you enjoy doing will help us identify ways in which you use your vision. Based on all the clinical information, Dr Lee tailors the best treatment and intraocular lens options to meet the demands of your visual needs.
The following questions may help you get started on thinking what your vision requirements are:
- What do you for a living? Can you see to safely do your job?
- Do you like to read? Do you have problems reading in print?
- Do you have problems watching television?
- Do you have trouble seeing computer screens or Ipads?
- Is it difficult to cook, shop, take medications, or do gardening?
- Do you drive at night??
- Do you spend time in dimly lit environments?
- Does your vision affect your level of independence?
Other questions to consider include:
- Have you been diagnosed with astigmatism or amblyopia?
- Would you like to enhance your vision at certain distances for daily tasks or hobbies?
- Which eye do you prefer for distance viewing / reading or both?
Your visual requirements play a key role in selecting the type of intraocular lens for your cataract surgery. Our eye specialist will select the most suitable lens designed to meet your unique visual conditions and lifestyle. Talk to our eye specialists about benefits and risks prior the considering the surgery. For more information on cataract surgery, please click here.
GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is an eye condition where progressive degeneration of the optic nerve results in gradual visual loss. This is usually the result of raised eye pressure. It is estimated that 300,000 Australians currently live with glaucoma. Additionally, 1 in 50 Australians will develop glaucoma during their lifetime and 1 in 8 Australians aged over 80 years will develop glaucoma.
What Symptoms Would I Get if I Have Glaucoma?
Many people affected by glaucoma may not be aware of any vision loss or have any symptoms in the early stages. The loss of vision in glaucoma is usually gradual. It is estimated that as high as 50% of people with glaucoma remain undetected. The number of glaucoma patients is likely to be much higher than what is reported. A considerable amount of peripheral (side) vision may be before diagnosis. Therefore, early detection is essential.
People with a family history of glaucoma (first degree relatives) can have up to a 10-fold increased risk of developing the disease. It is important to remember that while glaucoma is more common as we get older, glaucoma can occur at any age.
Treatment depends on the severity and stage of glaucoma. It is aimed at stabilizing the condition and preventing further progression of the disease. Current glaucoma treatments include medications and preservative free options, laser treatment and surgical intervention.