- What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
AMD is a condition that causes the gradual loss of sharp, central vision by affecting the macula. At our Durban clinics, we diagnose AMD by examining the retina for drusen (yellow deposits) which can blur your ability to read, drive, or recognize faces while your peripheral vision remains intact.
- What is the difference between Dry and Wet AMD?
Dry AMD involves thinning of the macula, while Wet AMD is caused by abnormal, leaking blood vessels. Dry AMD is the more common, slower-progressing form. Wet AMD is a medical emergency that causes rapid vision loss and requires immediate diagnostic imaging at our Berea or Kloof facilities.
- Can Dry AMD turn into Wet AMD?
Yes, Dry AMD can progress into the Wet form at any time. This transition occurs when new, fragile blood vessels grow under the retina. We use advanced Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans at Durban Eye Care to catch these microscopic changes before they cause permanent scarring.
- How fast does AMD progress?
The rate of vision loss varies, but Wet AMD can cause significant damage in just days. While Dry AMD usually develops over several years, any sudden appearance of wavy lines on an Amsler Grid suggests a rapid shift that requires an urgent appointment with our ophthalmologists.
- Will AMD make me completely blind?
No, AMD typically only affects your central "detail" vision and does not cause total blindness. You will likely retain your side (peripheral) vision, allowing you to navigate rooms and maintain some mobility, though tasks requiring fine focus will become much more difficult.
- Can I still drive with AMD in South Africa?
Your legal ability to drive in KZN depends on whether your vision meets the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) standards. If AMD has significantly reduced your visual acuity or created large blind spots, it may no longer be safe or legal for you to operate a vehicle.
- What treatments are available at Durban Eye Care?
We offer gold-standard anti-VEGF injections, including Avastin, Lucentis, and Eylea, to treat Wet AMD. These injections work by "drying up" leaking vessels. For Dry AMD, we focus on slowing progression through specialized clinical monitoring and nutritional guidance.
- Do AREDS2 vitamins really work?
Yes, the AREDS2 formula is clinically proven to reduce the risk of progressing to advanced AMD by about 25%. We recommend specific pharmaceutical-grade supplements containing Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc for patients at the intermediate stage of the disease.
- How can I monitor my vision at home?
The Amsler Grid is the most effective tool for daily home monitoring between clinic visits. By covering one eye and looking at the grid, you can spot "metamorphopsia" (wavy lines), which is a primary warning sign of Wet AMD that needs immediate attention from our specialist team.
- Should my family members be tested?
Yes, genetics play a significant role in AMD, and siblings or children of patients have a higher risk. We advise relatives over the age of 50 to undergo a baseline retinal screening at our Durban practice to ensure early detection and preventative care.
Durban Eye specialist
General eye conditions
Dr Grant Ladner is an Eye Specialist in Durban practicing at the Medical Centre, Parklands Hospital as well as at the Kloof Medical Centre. He deals with eye and vision care, treating general eye conditions such as Cataract, Glaucoma, Pterygium, Squint, Age Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetes.
This is an opacity of the lense. The most common cause is age-related changes in the lense but there are other causes such as a genetic predisposition, long term steroid use, trauma as well a medical conditions such as diabetes. Treatment involves removal of the cataractous lense and the placement of an artificial lense in the eye.
This is the most common progressive optic neuropathy (degenerative condition of the optic nerve) and a potential cause of irreversible blindness. It is associated with raised intra ocular pressure. In most cases blindness can be prevented with treatment which includes eye drops, laser and surgery.
This a growth on the surface of the eye, usually on the nasal side of the cornea. It is a visible non-cancerous mass and in some cases may require excision. The main indications for removal are persistent irritation, cosmesis, distortion of the surface of the eye with loss of clarity, progressive growth over the surface of the eye and a doubtful diagnosis.
This refers to the misalignment of the two eyes. It most commonly affects children and there is a strong genetic predisposition. People with a squint need to be thoroughly investigated to find a cause and determine treatment. Many squints can be surgically corrected once the cause has been identified.
Age Related Macular Degeneration typically affects the elderly and is most common in caucasian patients. There are characteristically two types which are dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is more common and causes a gradual loss of central vision. Wet macular degeneration causes a sudden loss of vision and is treatable.
Diabetic retinopathy refers to the changes that occur in the retina due to poor blood flow and leaky blood vessels. These changes can affect sight but early changes which are treatable will not be noted by a diabetic patient. It is therefore essential for diabetic patients to have their eyes routinely tested by an Ophthalmologist.