Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a painless condition that affects the macula in the back of the eye.

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the most common cause of blindness in people aged 60 and over in the United Kingdom. It usually affects both eyes.

Vision with ARMD

ARMD causes a degredation (and even total loss) of central vision, which can severely impact a person's quality of life. Driving, reading and even recognising faces may be difficult depending on the severity of the condition.

Normal Vision

Normal Vision

Vision with ARMD

Vision with ARMD

How does ARMD affect vision?

The macula is the point on the back of your eye (the retina) where images are normally focused. ARMD causes scarring on the macula, which prevents images from being sent to the brain.

How age-related macular degeneration affects your vision.

Types of ARMD

There are two main types of age-related macular degeneration, usually referred to as 'wet and 'dry':

Wet ARMD

The wet type of ARMD accounts for 10% of all cases. This form of the condition is caused by a build-up of fluid under the retina and can occur more quickly.

It may be stabilised and improved by either laser treatment (photodynamic therapy), injections into the eyes (Lucentis, Macugen or Avastin), or the IOLVIP procedure.

Dry ARMD

The dry type of ARMD accounts for 90% of all cases. It occurs when the inner lining at the back of the eye thins, resulting in a loss of 'rod' and 'cone' cells (used to detect light). Dry ARMD develops slowly over time causing a gradual loss of central vision.

The new IOLVIP procedure has been developed to help restore vision in people suffering from this form of the condition. Previously, no treatment was available for this form of the condition.

The IOLVIP procedure

Watch Mr Moriarty's IOLVIP patient information video.

The Intraocular Lens for Visually Impared People (IOLVIP) has been developed to to give hope to people with both wet and dry ARMD. Mr Moriarty was the first UK eye surgeon to implant this lens and has performed the procedure over 200 times.

Further information

Appointments

To make an appointment or refer a patient to Mr Moriarty, please book online or contact Deryn Fawcett:

Phone: 01625 820 680

Fax: 01625 820 680

Email: deryn@brendanmoriarty.com

Online: Book an appointment...