Saving sight, enriching life
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With early care and treatment, your vision can continue
Vision is central to the human experience and how we engage with the world around us. However, an estimated 2.2 billion people globally are living with vision impairment.1Among older people, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss, profoundly affecting daily life.2 AMD primarily impacts central vision, making essential tasks – like reading, driving, and even recognising loved ones – much more challenging.2
Neovascular AMD (nAMD), or “wet” AMD, is an advanced form of the disease that causes almost 90% of blindness linked to AMD.3,4 nAMD affects around 20 million people worldwide, making it the leading cause of vision loss in those over 60.2,5,6 With nAMD, abnormal vessels can leak fluid and blood into the eye, resulting in blind spots that affect central vision.7,8
Vision loss can impact many aspects of life – physically, emotionally and economically – for those affected, their families and caregivers.9 Early intervention can be life changing, with treatments available to preserve vision and improve quality of life.2 If you notice changes in your vision, speak to your doctor – together, you can take the appropriate steps to save your sight and maintain the moments that matter most.
Here are some questions you can take to your next appointment with your doctor:
What options exist for my wet AMD?
What can I do to maximise my vision?
How can I better manage my condition?
It is important to monitor your eye health. If you notice any changes in your vision, please speak to your eye care professional.
References
World Health Organization. World report on vision. [Internet; cited 2025 Mar]. Available from: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/documents/publications/world-vision-report-accessible.pdf?sfvrsn=223f9bf7_2.
BrightFocus Foundation. Facts & Figures - Macular Degeneration. [Internet; cited 2025 Jun 4]. Available from: https://www.brightfocus.org/macular/facts-figures/.
Pugazhendhi A, Hubbell M, Jairam P, Ambati B. Neovascular macular degeneration: A review of etiology, risk factors, and recent advances in research and therapy. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(3):1170. doi:10.3390/ijms22031170.
Vemulakonda GA, Bailey ST, Kim SJ, et al. Age-related macular degeneration Preferred Practice Pattern®. Ophthalmology. 2025;132(4):P1-P74. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2024.12.018.
Wong WL, Su X, Li X, et al. Global prevalence of age-related macular degeneration and disease burden projection for 2020 and 2040: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Glob Health. 2014;2(2):e106-e116. doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(13)70145-1.
Connolly E, Rhatigan M, O’Halloran AM, et al. Prevalence of age-related macular degeneration-associated genetic risk factors and 4-year progression data in the Irish population. Br J Ophthalmol. 2018;102(12):1691-1695. doi:10.1136/bjophthalmol-2017-311673.
Little K, Ma JH, Yang N, Chen M, Xu H. Myofibroblasts in macular fibrosis secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration – the potential sources and molecular cues for their recruitment and activation. eBioMedicine. 2018;38:283-291. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.11.029.
BrightFocus Foundation. Macular degeneration signs & symptoms. [Internet; cited 2025 Jul 25]. Available from: https://www.brightfocus.org/macular/signs-symptoms/.
Park SJ, Ahn S, Woo SJ, Park KH. Extent of exacerbation of chronic health conditions by visual impairment in terms of health-related quality of life. JAMA Ophthalmology. 2015;133(11):1267. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2015.3055.
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