Book An Appointment Book An Appointment Book An Appointment

Our Services

  • Eye Examinations
  • Childrens’ Eye Examinations
  • Driver Licence Eye Assessments
  • CAA Eye Examinations
  • Retinal Photography
  • Visual Field Assessment
  • Assessment for Glaucoma
    and Cataract
  • Diabetes Retinal Assessment
  • Refractive Surgery Post
    Operative Care
  • Contact Lens Fitting
  • Colour Vision Assessment
  • Binocular Vision Assessment
  • Frame repairs & adjustments
  • Frame selection advice

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

Macular Degeneration is an eye disease that causes loss of central vision, leaving only peripheral, or side, vision intact. It is the leading cause of blindness for people over 50 in New Zealand.

With ARMD, there is progressive damage to the sensitive area at the back of the eye called the macula which is responsible for seeing fine detail. The central vision is damaged by ARMD, but the peripheral vision is unaffected. Any changes to quality of vision should be investigated immediately because sometimes there is a only a small window of opportunity for effective treament.

What is the Macula?

The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina and is responsible for clear central vision. When cells in this region deteriorate, vision is lost. The condition is called macular degeneration and because it is often related to ageing it is also termed age-related macular degeneration or ARMD. Early detection is vital.

The two most common forms of ARMD are dry and wet.

  • Dry ARMD - In dry ARMD yellow, fatty deposits called drusen collect in the macula making vision grainy and unclear. Is the more common form and causes varying degrees of sight loss.
  • Wet ARMD - In wet ARMD, abnormal, leaky blood vessels develop in the macula and as the disease advances scarring occurs causing irreversible blind spots. Many cases lead to legal blindness. Occurs less often (around 12.5% of cases) but can cause very severe loss of sight.

Treatment Options

Early detection of any form of ARMD is vital, because lost sight can never be restored. Buchanan Optometrists recommend frequent eye examinations as your best defence.

Early diagnosis by comprehensive eye examination allows you to access appropriate options for treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) offers a new therapeutic tool to fight wet AMD and prompt referral is crucial to its success.

In terms of prevention, a major overseas study, The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), included a clinical trial of high-dose vitamin and mineral supplements for AMD. Results showed benefits to ARMD sufferers from using high-quality vision supplements such as MacuTrition in helping to slow down progression of the disease. MacuTrition is also likely to be of use to people who have a family history of ARMD

Even where degeneration of the eye has occurred, Buchanan Optometrists are able to help with spectacles and low vision aids.