Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Expert AMD management by Dr. Muhammad Amjad — vitreoretinal surgeon at Al-Shifa Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
What is the macula?
The macula is the small, highly sensitive central area of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision — the vision you use for reading, driving, watching television, and recognising faces. When the macula is damaged, central vision becomes distorted or lost, while peripheral (side) vision is usually preserved.
Symptoms
- Blurry or distorted central vision (straight lines appear wavy)
- A dark or blank spot in the centre of your vision
- Difficulty reading, even with glasses
- Colours appearing less vivid
- Faces becoming hard to recognise
- Needing brighter light for close work
Types of AMD
Dry AMD (90% of cases)
Gradual breakdown of retinal cells over years. Managed with nutritional support, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring. No injection treatment needed in early stages.
Wet AMD (requires urgent treatment)
Abnormal blood vessels grow and leak under the macula, causing rapid vision loss. Treated with anti-VEGF injections — the sooner, the better.
Treatment at Dr. Amjad's clinic
Anti-VEGF Injections (Wet AMD)
Injections such as Avastin, Lucentis, or Eylea are given directly into the eye to stop abnormal vessel growth and leakage. Highly effective at preserving and sometimes improving vision. Available at our injection clinic — 5-minute procedure.
Monitoring & OCT Scanning
Regular OCT (optical coherence tomography) scans allow Dr. Amjad to monitor the macula in detail and adjust treatment timing as needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition where the macula — the central part of the retina used for reading, driving, and recognising faces — gradually deteriorates. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50.
What is the difference between dry and wet AMD?
Dry AMD (90% of cases) develops slowly as retinal cells break down over years. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid, causing rapid central vision loss. Wet AMD requires urgent anti-VEGF injection treatment.
Can macular degeneration be cured?
There is currently no cure for dry AMD, but progression can be slowed with lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements. Wet AMD can be effectively treated with anti-VEGF injections — most patients maintain their vision with regular treatment.
How are anti-VEGF injections given?
Anaesthetic drops are used so you feel little or no discomfort. The injection takes about 5 minutes at our injection clinic. Patients typically need injections every 4–8 weeks initially, then less frequently as the condition stabilises.