Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Treatment in Singapore
At Asia Pacific Eye Centre, our retinal specialist offers assessments and specialist-led care for macular degeneration in Singapore, covering both dry and wet AMD.
What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye condition that damages the macula, causing central vision to become blurred, distorted, or gradually lost over time.
AMD does not typically affect peripheral (side) vision, which means most people retain the ability to navigate their environment. However, the loss of central vision can make tasks such as reading, driving, and watching television progressively more difficult.
What Is the Difference Between Dry and Wet AMD?
| Dry AMD | Wet AMD | |
|---|---|---|
| How common | More common; affects around 4 in 5 people with AMD | Affects around 10ā15% of people with AMD |
| How it develops | Light-sensitive cells in the macula gradually break down over time | Abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid, blood, or protein |
| Speed of progression | Usually slow and gradual | Can progress rapidly, sometimes within weeks |
| Vision impact | Gradual loss of central vision | Significant central vision loss if not treated promptly |
| Can it become wet AMD? | Dry AMD can progress to wet AMD in some cases | Wet AMD usually develops in people who already have dry AMD |
| Smoking risk | Increased risk with smoking | Smokers are approximately 4 times more likely to develop wet AMD |
What Are the Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
- Blurred or hazy central vision
- Straight lines appearing bent, wavy, or distorted
- Dark, empty, or missing areas in the centre of your vision
- Difficulty recognising faces
- Difficulty reading small print, even with glasses
- Reduced colour intensity or contrast
- Needing brighter lighting for close work
- Slower adjustment when moving between bright and dim environments
When Should You Seek Prompt Eye Assessment?
What Causes Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Smoking (one of the strongest modifiable risk factors)
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- A diet low in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids
- Prolonged, unprotected exposure to UV light
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
- Age (risk increases significantly from 50 onwards)
- Family history of AMD
- Lighter eye colour (some evidence suggests increased susceptibility)
Preventing Macular Degeneration
- Quitting smoking, or avoiding it entirely
- Eating a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Wearing UV-protective sunglasses outdoors
- Attending regular eye screenings so that any early changes can be identified promptly
How Is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?
- Visual acuity testing to measure the sharpness of your central vision
- Dilated eye examination to allow a detailed view of the retina and macula
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): a non-invasive scan that produces detailed cross-sectional images of the retinal layers
- Optic nerve and retinal photography to document and monitor changes over time
- Fluorescein angiography, where indicated, to detect abnormal blood vessel growth in wet AMD
What to Expect After Your Assessment
Your care at APEC will involve regular monitoring appointments, and your specialist will explain what changes to watch for between visits.
What Macular Degeneration Treatments Are Available?
Management of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Regular monitoring with OCT imaging to track any changes
- Nutritional supplementation (AREDS2 formula), which studies suggest may help reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD in certain patients
- Lifestyle modifications to address modifiable risk factors
Treatment for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Wet AMD is treated primarily with anti-VEGF (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) injections. These are administered directly into the eye under local anaesthetic and work by inhibiting the growth of the abnormal blood vessels responsible for leakage and scarring.
Anti-VEGF therapy does not restore vision that has already been lost, but in many patients it can stabilise the condition and, in some cases, may lead to partial improvement. The frequency of injections varies by individual and is determined by your specialist based on how your eye responds to treatment.
Treatment is typically ongoing, and regular follow-up is important to assess response and adjust the schedule accordingly.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Screening at APEC
Cataract / Glaucoma / Age-Related Macular Degeneration Screening
Cataract/Glaucoma/Age-Related Macular Degeneration Screening
- Visual Acuity/Auto-Refraction
- Eye Pressure Check (Tonometry)
- Corneal Thickness Measurement
- Optic Nerve & Macular Scan/Optical Coherence Tomography (Nerve & Macular)
- Optic Nerve & Retinal Photography
- Doctorās Consult
Frequently Asked Questions About Macular Degeneration
There is currently no cure for AMD. However, for wet AMD,Ā anti-VEGF treatment can slow or stabilise progression in many patients. For dry AMD, management focuses on monitoring and reducing the risk of progression. Early detection remains the most effective way to protect your vision.
Treatment for wet AMD may lead to partial improvement in some patients, but it is primarily aimed at stabilising the condition rather than restoring lost vision. Vision that has already been lost due to AMD is generally not recoverable. This is why early assessment matters.
Dry AMD involves the gradual breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the macula over time. Wet AMD involves abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina, which can cause rapid vision loss if left untreated. Wet AMD usually develops in people who already have dry AMD.
Wet AMD can progress significantly within weeks if untreated. Any sudden change in central vision should be assessed promptly rather than monitored at home.
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive eye assessment, including visual acuity testing, dilated examination, OCT imaging, and retinal photography. In some cases, fluorescein angiography may be used to assess blood vessel activity.
This varies by patient and by the specific medication used. Initially, injections may be given monthly. Over time, the interval may be extended depending on how your eye responds. Your specialist will determine the schedule most appropriate for you.
Yes. AMD can affect one or both eyes. Your specialist will monitor both eyes at each assessment.
You should seek assessment if you notice blurring, distortion, or missing areas in your central vision, even if the change seems minor. For sudden or rapid changes, seek an appointment as soon as possible rather than waiting for a routine visit.
Our Retinal Specialist
Dr. Wong Chee Wai
Dr Wong Chee Wai is a fellowship-trained retinal specialist with expertise in both medical and surgical retina. He completed his Vitreoretinal subspecialty fellowship training at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), and went on to found the Surgical Retina Service at Sengkang Hospital.
A former consultant and deputy director of undergraduate education at SNEC, Dr Wong has published more than 60 research articles in the field of retinal conditions and ocular drug delivery, and holds a PhD from Utrecht University. He was recognised as the top candidate in the Specialist Exit Examination in Ophthalmology, receiving three gold medals, and has been awarded a Research Training Fellowship by the National Medical Research Council (2017).
Dr Wong sees patients with a wide range of retinal conditions, including age-related macular degeneration.
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