Macular Disease

Macular disease covers a range of painless conditions affecting the central retina (the macula). The macula, located at the center of the retina, is responsible for central and color vision, with around 90% of the photoreceptor cells in the eye concentrated in this area. When the macula starts to show symptoms, it can lead to blurred central vision, central vision loss, visual distortion, and even difficulty in distinguishing colors. It is one of the leading cause of blindness and severe vision loss.

Symptoms of Macular Disease

The symptoms of macular disease primarily affect central vision, significantly impacting the daily life of patients. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is advisable to seek a comprehensive macular examination by an ophthalmologist:

Blurred central vision

Dark spots in the centre of your visual field

Distorted vision

Symptoms of Macular Disease

The symptoms of macular disease primarily affect central vision, significantly impacting the daily life of patients. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is advisable to seek a comprehensive macular examination by an ophthalmologist:

Blurred central vision

Dark spots in the centre of your visual field

Distorted vision

Causes of Macular Disease

There are many causes of macular disease, but it is primarily related to ageing. As one ages, the photoreceptor cells and supporting tissues in the macula gradually deteriorate. Additionally, genetic predisposition is a major cause of macular disease, with individuals who have a family history of the condition being at a higher risk. Other major contributing factors include:

Genetic predisposition

Ageing

Severe myopia (more than 6 diopters)

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light

High-fat / high-cholesterol diet

Smoking

Stress

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) refers to the gradual shrinkage and deterioration of the macula with age. Once the photoreceptor cells in the macular area are damaged, current medical technology offers no methods to restore them, and the lost vision cannot be recovered. Macular degeneration is categorized into two types: dry and wet. It is estimated that over 500,000 people in Hong Kong suffer from age-related macular degeneration, with 90% of them having the dry form.

Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Dry AMD is caused by the degeneration and ageing of the macular tissue, leading to the death of retinal cells and loss of function. Symptoms of dry AMD usually develop slowly and progress gradually, including blurred central vision, distorted lines, and decreased vision. However, if the condition worsens, it may develop into wet AMD. Currently, there is no cure for dry AMD, and regular monitoring is required to ensure that the condition does not deteriorate.

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Wet AMD is less common and is usually caused by abnormal blood vessel growth in the macular area. These abnormal blood vessels can leak blood and other fluids into the macular region, damaging the photoreceptor cells and causing retinal tissue damage and permanent vision loss. Symptoms of wet AMD typically appear more quickly and are more severe. Treatment options include anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) refers to the gradual shrinkage and degeneration of the macula with age. Once the photoreceptor cells in the macular area are damaged, current medical technology offers no methods to restore them, and the lost vision cannot be recovered. Macular degeneration is categorized into two types: dry and wet. It is estimated that over 500,000 people in Hong Kong suffer from age-related macular degeneration, with 90% of them having the dry form.

Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Dry AMD is caused by the degeneration and ageing of the macular tissue, leading to the death of retinal cells and loss of function. Symptoms of dry AMD usually develop slowly and progress gradually, including blurred central vision, distorted lines, and decreased vision. However, if the condition worsens, it may develop into wet AMD. Currently, there is no cure for dry AMD, and regular monitoring is required to ensure that the condition does not deteriorate.

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Wet AMD is less common and is usually caused by abnormal blood vessel growth in the macular area. These abnormal blood vessels can leak blood and other fluids into the macular region, damaging the photoreceptor cells and causing retinal tissue damage and permanent vision loss. Symptoms of wet AMD typically appear more quickly and are more severe. Treatment options include anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy.

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Treatments for Macular Disease

Drug Injections

Medical research has found that successful treatment with anti-vascular growth factor drugs can not only control the disease and prevent bleeding but, in some cases, also improve damaged vision. The course of treatment generally lasts for several months. In the first three months, patients receive one injection per month, and subsequent injections are administered based on the patient's condition. Most patients receiving intraocular injections can maintain or improve their vision, and the treatment is considered highly safe.

Patients suitable for drug injections:

Wet macular degeneration
Diabetic macular edema
Macular edema from retinal vein occlusion
Myopic choroidal neovascularization

Laser Photocoagulation

Traditional laser photocoagulation uses high-energy light concentrated on the abnormal blood vessels to remove these problematic vessels and prevent further vision loss. However, laser treatment may also damage some nearby healthy tissues and affect vision, so its suitability depends on the location of the abnormal vessel growth. Even after treatment, the problem of abnormal blood vessel growth may recur, and some patients may experience vision deterioration despite repeated laser treatments.

Patients suitable for laser photocoagulation:

Mild macular edema
Lesions located further from the macular center

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy involves injecting a photosensitive drug into the veins. The abnormal blood vessels absorb the drug, and a non-thermal laser is used to activate the drug, blocking the abnormal vessels to prevent leakage or bleeding.

Patients suitable for photodynamic therapy:

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in wet macular degeneration
Central serous chorioretinopathy

Treatments for Macular Disease

Drug Injections

Medical research has found that successful treatment with anti-vascular growth factor drugs can not only control the disease and prevent bleeding but, in some cases, also improve damaged vision. The course of treatment generally lasts for several months. In the first three months, patients receive one injection per month, and subsequent injections are administered based on the patient's condition. Most patients receiving intraocular injections can maintain or improve their vision, and the treatment is considered highly safe.

Patients suitable for drug injections:

Wet macular degeneration
Diabetic macular edema
Macular edema from retinal vein occlusion
Myopic choroidal neovascularization

Laser Photocoagulation

Traditional laser photocoagulation uses high-energy light concentrated on the abnormal blood vessels to remove these problematic vessels and prevent further vision loss. However, laser treatment may also damage some nearby healthy tissues and affect vision, so its suitability depends on the location of the abnormal vessel growth. Even after treatment, the problem of abnormal blood vessel growth may recur, and some patients may experience vision deterioration despite repeated laser treatments.

Patients suitable for laser photocoagulation:

Mild macular edema
Lesions located further from the macular center

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy involves injecting a photosensitive drug into the veins. The abnormal blood vessels absorb the drug, and a non-thermal laser is used to activate the drug, blocking the abnormal vessels to prevent leakage or bleeding.

Patients suitable for photodynamic therapy:

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in wet macular degeneration
Central serous chorioretinopathy

Service Features

Clarity Eye Centre Provides Comprehensive Care for You

19 Years of Extensive Experience

Clarity Eye Centre, established in 2005, has been dedicated to providing professional ophthalmic medical services. These include comprehensive eye care such as treatment of eye diseases, cataract surgery, multifocal intraocular lens replacement surgery, vision correction services, and myopia control for children. Over the years, we have accumulated extensive clinical experience, making us one of the leading ophthalmic brands in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Listed Medical Group

In 2022, Clarity Medical Group successfully listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The group is actively expanding its ophthalmic medical business in both Hong Kong and Mainland China. It is also one of the first ophthalmic centers in Hong Kong to introduce innovative technologies and instruments such as SMILE®, SMILE®pro, and myopia treatment devices.

Professional Ophthalmology Team

Established since its inception, Clarity Eye Centre has been dedicated to providing comprehensive ophthalmic medical services. With a professional medical team comprising over 100 ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, and frontline medical staff, the clinic continuously enhances its expertise and knowledge in various ophthalmic fields to offer outstanding and reliable ophthalmic medical services to the public.

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FAQ

Can Macular Disease Lead to Blindness?

Macular disease can result in vision loss or impairment, but it does not necessarily lead to total blindness.
Does the Risk of Macular Disease Increase with Age?

Yes, the risk of developing macular disease increases with age. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common forms of the condition and is more prevalent in older individuals, especially those over 50 years old.
How Can Macular Disease Be Effectively Prevented?

Maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, using your eyes properly (e.g., taking breaks from prolonged screen time or close-up work), wearing sunglasses outdoors, and having regular eye check-ups can effectively reduce the risk of macular disease.
Can Taking Vitamins Prevent Macular Disease?

Lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C and E, zinc, and copper can have some benefits in preventing macular disease, but they cannot completely prevent the condition. The best approach is to maintain a well-balanced and healthy diet.