Priority eye diseases
Age related macular degeneration
Definition
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition affecting people over the age of 50 and involves the loss of the person's central field of vision. It occurs when the macular (or central) retina develops degenerative lesions. It is thought that circulatory insufficiency, with reduction in the blood flow to the macular area, also plays a part. Several forms of AMD exist.
Magnitude
Globally, AMD ranks third as a cause of visual impairment with a blindness prevalence of 8.7%. It is the primary cause of visual impairment in industrialized countries. The main risk factor is ageing. Other risk factors may include the use of tobacco, genetic tendencies, the degree of pigmentation (with light coloured eyes being at higher risk), arterial hypertension, the ultraviolet rays, and consumption of a non-balanced diet.
Prevention and treatment
At present, there is neither a prevention nor a cure. Palliative treatments which seem to be able to retard the progress somewhat, include the use of lasers, dynamic phototherapy and sometimes surgery. Rehabilitative training of those with impaired vision includes the availability of bright lighting in the living and work spaces and the use of special aids for viewing and computer use.
VISION 2020 role
Primarily because there are no known easily-administered treatments nor prevention, AMD is not one of the diseases considered as a priority for VISION 2020. However, as more becomes known about this malady, it is likely to be included, as life expectancy continues to lengthen and the world transitions towards chronic noncommunicable eye diseases.