Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects a lot of people, especially those over 50. AMD is a problem with eyesight that can get worse over time. You might start to notice changes like blurriness, distortion, or blind spots in your central vision. It can be hard to read, drive, or recognise faces, and you might need more light to see clearly.
If you have any of these symptoms, you may be referred to a consultant ophthalmologist, who is a specialist eye doctor. They will do some tests to check the health of your eyes and diagnose if you have AMD. Treatment options for AMD depends on the type and severity, but there are options available. It is important to get your eyes checked regularly, especially if you are over 50 or have a family history of AMD.
AMD services at Blackrock Health
At Blackrock Health, we have earned a long-standing reputation for excellence in private medical and surgical care. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the eye, ear, nose, and throat, for both adults and children Our three hospitals offer easy and speedy access to expert care in these fields. We have a renowned team of consultants, and we use the latest techniques and technologies. This means we can aim to provide you with a fast, accurate diagnoses and an effective and tailored treatment plan. We understand that experiencing problems with your eyes, ears, nose, or throat can be worrying. That is why we are committed to providing compassionate and reassuring care. Whether you need a routine check-up or a more complex procedure, we are here to help. Our team provides you with the highest standards of care and support - throughout your journey to better health.
Ophthalmology is the study and treatment of eye disorders. Our ophthalmology team treats all eye conditions. Our team will look after you throughout your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
As a Blackrock Health patient, you will be cared for by our team of consultant ophthalmologists and consultant ophthalmic surgeons. All our consultants offer care and expertise in their own specialties and continue to lead research in vision sciences. Many of our eye specialists also consult in major teaching hospitals.
Accessing our services
You can access Blackrock Health ophthalmology services easily with a referral from your GP and can then expect world-class clinical care and comfort. Over 75% of our hospital rooms are single occupancy, which can help you make a quicker recovery in a safe environment. We aim to provide you with the best possible outcome, and to restore your quality of life.
Why I might be referred
Disorders relating to the eye can lead to a variety of different symptoms, such as loss of vision, central vision loss and blurriness. These symptoms may mean that you find it difficult to do everyday activities. You may be referred to a hospital for this type of service by your GP if you have tried other forms of treatment and are not seeing results.
The team includes:
Consultant ophthalmologists
Consultant ophthalmic surgeons
Ophthalmic clinical nurse specialists
Ophthalmic technicians
Optometrists
Please note that we do not offer an emergency service for eye health issues. If you have the following symptoms, you should call 112 or 999:
Sudden or severe eye pain
Loss of sight
Lots of flashing lights
Chemicals in your eye
Severe eye trauma
What is AMD?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of sight loss in the over-55 age group. It causes a gradual loss of central vision, but not peripheral vision. Central vision is required for detailed work and for things like reading and driving. Visual loss can occur within weeks, months, or over many years, depending on the type and severity of AMD. There are two types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – ‘Dry form’ and ‘Wet form.’ ‘Wet’ AMD can cause acute and severe vision loss. New treatments are currently available which can prevent this in most cases.
Wet age-related macular degeneration
Wet AMD happens when irregular blood vessels begin to grow under your eye’s macula.
Vision loss comes on faster than dry.
Symptoms include
Blurred vision
Visual distortion
Loss of central vision
Need brighter light to see.
Trouble recognizing faces.
Dry age-related macular degeneration
Dry AMD happens gradually, clusters made up of lipids and proteins build up under your macula, called drusen, which interfere with central vision.
This type is much more common and progresses slowly.
Symptoms include
Blurred vision.
Visual distortion.
Loss of central vision.
Need brighter light to see.
Trouble recognizing faces.
What Causes AMD?
The exact causes of AMD are still unknown, although there can be a history of the condition in some families. If close relatives have suffered with sight loss in the past, then it is worth having your eyes checked regularly. Studies have shown that there is a definite link between smoking and AMD. Other factors such as high blood pressure and poor diet can also contribute to a greater risk of developing AMD.
Risk factors of AMD
Being over 50.
Family history of AMD.
Being a smoker.
Having high blood pressure.
Having obesity.
Poor diet that is high in saturated fats.
Testing for AMD
The Amsler grid is a quick and simple test that you can do to check if you are experiencing any of the early symptoms of AMD
Look at the grid on the screen with a distance of approximately 12 inches in front of your eyes
Remove varifocals or distance glasses. However, if you wear glasses for reading, leave them on.
Cover one eye with your hand and focus with your other eye on the centre dot.
Make sure you can see all four corners of the grid.
Repeat with the other eye.
If areas of the grid appear blurred, distorted or in any way abnormal then you could be displaying the early symptoms of AMD.
If you think you may have early symptoms based on this test, then you should visit your doctor or optician within the next week. It is important to repeat this test every couple of months.
Please note this test does not replace an eye examination.
Treatment for AMD
There are a number of treatments for people with wet AMD. They are:
Intravitreal Injection – a relatively painless injection under local anaesthetic directly into the eye to combat wet AMD. Often a number of injections are needed to stabilise the condition. Various drugs may be used including Avastin and Lucentis.
Photodynamic Therapy – the use of photosensitive synthetic dyes with cold laser to seal new blood vessels under the retina.
Laser Photocoagulation – the use of a laser to finely cauterize the ocular blood vessels and has been proven to lower the risk of severe vision loss from these diseases.
Making an Appointment
We are aware that early diagnosis is essential, and our Rapid Access Macular Degeneration Service offers speedy appointments.
This is a consultant-led service with experienced Ophthalmic consultants who specialise in Retinal Eye Health.
Appointments require a referral letter from your GP or Optician.
What to expect on the day
When attending you should bring along all your glasses. Your eyes will be dilated using drops and therefore you will be unable to drive for some hours afterwards, you may need someone to accompany you home.
How do I access Ophthalmology services?
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP, optician or consultant before you make an appointment.
My health insurance and costs for Ophthalmology services
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance Cover Check page, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
