Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of sight loss in the over 50s in Ireland. More than 100,000 people in Ireland aged over 50 are living with AMD. Its prognosis has been greatly improved with modern treatment modalities. Without treatment, severe (wet) AMD can lead to loss of central vision and it is the most common cause of legal blindness in the over 60s.
The severity of the disease varies between individuals. Early detection is critical. Usually, even in its most aggressive form, side or peripheral vision is preserved allowing the patient to move around independently and to continue those tasks that do not require fine central vision.
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