AMD cannot be corrected by stronger prescription glasses, although they may help with reading vision. AMD is the most common cause of vision impairment in people over 70 years of age in Australia. It is not contagious, but there may be a tendency for it to run in families. It usually affects both eyes. It is associated with the breakdown or thinning of the tissues behind the macular.
Vision usually deteriorates over many years.
These abnormal vessels leak fluid and blood causing scar tissue to form. Vision deteriorates quickly. Sometimes laser treatment can be used to seal off the leaking blood vessels. AMD can be diagnosed during a routine eye examination. Your eye specialist may suggest that photographs be taken of the retina to obtain a clearer picture of the back of the eye.