Magular Degeneration

There are two different forms of macular degeneration: dry form and wet form. The dry one is the commonest (80%) and in these cases drop of vision is slow and progressive. In wet form, drop of vision is sudden, because of bleeding at the macula. People can also complain of blurred vision, distortion of images and black spots near the centre of vision. The disease initially affects one eye, so it very important to check vision in both eyes separately. If you think that your vision has dropped in any of your eyes, you should have an eye examination. Treatment is much more effective if the diagnosis is made sooner rather than later.

To begin with, it is important to establish which form of macular degeneration affects the eye, since treatment is very different for each form. In cases of wet form, special tests are needed (fluorescein angiography and OCT) for accurate macular mapping. Current treatment is injection of special drugs inside the eye. This is carried under sterilised conditions and under topical anaesthetic drops, is painless and takes a few minutes only. Most eyes maintain or even improve their vision with this treatment. Older types of treatment, such as photodynamic therapy and laser, are rarely used today. In the dry form treatment consists of supporting macular function with vitamins and avoiding smoking. Regular examination is also needed, since dry form can convert to the wet form.

Mr George Kampougeris has specialised in diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of macular degeneration during his subspecialty training and service at the NHS in United Kingdom. He has extensive experience with thousands of treatments in Greece and UK. He will discuss with you the diagnosis and the appropriate treatment for your particular case.