Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic progressive disease affecting the central retinal area of the eye - the macula - and leading to central vision loss.

The risk of AMD increases with age. Often, people aged 55 and older are prone to developing AMD.

If you are at risk for AMD due to your age, genetic heredity, or other factors, it is important to have regular eye exams.

EARLY AMD HAS NO SYMPTOMS, SO DON'T WAIT FOR YOUR VISION TO CHANGE!

How to check for AMD?

1. You need to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye examination.

2. For a thorough examination of the fundus, special drops will dilate the pupils of eyes and after that the ophthalmologist will check your eyes for AMD. This examination is simple and painless.

3. Your doctor may also recommend doing an additional study - optical coherent tomography (OCT).

4. For a definitive diagnosis, you will be referred to a consultant.

What is the treatment of AMD?

1. Treatment of AMD depends on stage and type. There is currently no treatment for early AMD, so your ophthalmologist is likely to recommend simply monitoring your eye condition with regular check-ups. Eating healthy, exercising regularly and quitting smoking can also help you.

2. If you have an intermediate AMD of one or both eyes, a therapeutic treatment will be prescribed to help stop it from becoming late AMD.

3. If you have wet AMD, there are other treatments to help stop further vision loss:

1. Drugs called anti-VEGF medication, which are injected directly into the eye by an ophthalmologist.

2. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), combination of injections and laser treatment.

Contact the 28th office of the consultative polyclinic of the Filatov Institute for a comprehensive eye examination.