Age-related macular degeneration Sydney

Age-related macular degeneration, often called AMD, affects the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina that helps you read, recognise faces, drive, see colour and notice fine detail.

AMD is one of the most common causes of central vision loss in older Australians. However, AMD does not usually remove all vision because the side vision often remains. Even so, central vision loss can make reading, driving, face recognition and daily independence much harder.

At Eye & Laser Surgeons in Sydney, Dr Shanel Sharma will assess macular degeneration using detailed eye examination and retinal imaging, including OCT scans. This helps identify whether a patient has early AMD, dry AMD, wet AMD, geographic atrophy or another macular condition.

Because dry and wet AMD behave differently, accurate diagnosis matters. Dry AMD usually progresses slowly. In contrast, wet AMD can cause sudden vision loss and often needs urgent treatment.

Age-related macular degeneration Sydney

Age-related macular degeneration, often called AMD, affects the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina that helps you read, recognise faces, drive, see colour and notice fine detail.

AMD is one of the most common causes of central vision loss in older Australians. However, AMD does not usually remove all vision because the side vision often remains. Even so, central vision loss can make reading, driving, face recognition and daily independence much harder.

At Eye & Laser Surgeons in Sydney, Dr Shanel Sharma and Dr Daya Sharma assess macular degeneration using detailed eye examination and retinal imaging, including OCT scans. This helps identify whether a patient has early AMD, dry AMD, wet AMD, geographic atrophy or another macular condition.

Because dry and wet AMD behave differently, accurate diagnosis matters. Dry AMD usually progresses slowly. In contrast, wet AMD can cause sudden vision loss and often needs urgent treatment.

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Over 20 years of eye care experience at Eye & Laser Surgeons Sydney

What is the difference between

Wet & Dry AMD?

AMD has two main forms: Dry AMD and Wet AMD.

Dry AMD is more common. It often develops slowly as ageing changes affect the macula. In many patients, small deposits called drusen collect under the retina. Over time, the retinal tissue may thin, and central vision may become less clear.

Wet AMD is less common, but it can damage vision more quickly. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood. As a result, straight lines may look wavy, reading may become difficult, and central vision may suddenly blur.

This distinction is important because wet AMD often needs urgent treatment with anti-VEGF eye injections. Dry AMD usually needs monitoring, risk reduction, lifestyle advice, and in selected patients, discussion of newer treatment options.

Symptoms of macular degeneration

  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula- the central part of the retina responsible for reading, recognising faces and seeing fine detail.
  • It is the leading cause of vision loss in Australians over 65. AMD does not cause total blindness because peripheral vision usually remains, but central vision loss can impact daily life.
  • Early AMD typically start quietly. Therefore, many people do not notice symptoms in the early stages.

    Common symptoms include:

    • blurred central vision
    • distortion of straight lines
    • difficulty reading
    • needing brighter light
    • faded colours
    • trouble recognising faces
    • a dark, blurry or missing patch in the centre of vision

    If symptoms develop suddenly, patients should seek urgent eye assessment. Sudden distortion or central blurring may indicate wet AMD, which can progress quickly.

AMD diagnosis starts with a careful eye examination. Your ophthalmologist checks vision, examines the retina and assesses the macula.

In most cases, OCT imaging plays a central role. OCT scans show the retinal layers in detail. Therefore, they can help detect drusen, retinal fluid, bleeding, thinning, geographic atrophy and other macular changes.

Sometimes, your ophthalmologist may also recommend OCT angiography, fundus photography or fundus autofluorescence imaging. These tests help clarify the type and stage of macular disease.

Accurate imaging matters because AMD treatment depends on the exact diagnosis. For example, dry AMD, wet AMD and geographic atrophy need different monitoring and treatment plans.

AMD treatment depends on the type and stage of disease.

For dry AMD, treatment usually focuses on monitoring, reducing risk factors and supporting retinal health. Some patients may benefit from AREDS2 supplements, especially when they have intermediate AMD. However, these supplements do not suit everyone, so patients should discuss them with their ophthalmologist.

For wet AMD, anti-VEGF injections remain the main treatment. These injections help reduce leakage from abnormal blood vessels under the retina. As a result, they may stabilise vision and sometimes improve vision, especially when treatment starts early.

For advanced dry AMD with geographic atrophy, newer treatments may slow the rate of progression in selected patients. However, they do not restore vision that has already been lost. Therefore, careful counselling is essential.

For patients exploring non-invasive options, MacuMira may also be discussed in selected cases. However, suitability depends on the stage of AMD, visual acuity, retinal findings and treatment goals.

  • All treatments involve potential risks.
  • Anti-VEGF injections are considered very safe but can cause transient irritation, floaters or light sensitivity.
  • Rarely, they may lead to infection or bleeding inside the eye.
  • Supplements should only be taken when recommended, as high doses may not be suitable for everyone.
  • Laser therapies are less commonly used today but may still have risks to surrounding tissue.
  • AMD itself can progress even with treatment, especially when detected late.
  • Dr Shanel Sharma will clearly explain risks and how they are minimised to support informed decision making.

  • Treatment for wet AMD maintains vision at the level vision was at the time the macular degeneration was diagnosed for most patients.
  • With prompt care, many people with wet AMD maintain useful vision for reading, watching TV and staying active. Some people may even notice improvement in clarity.
  • Dry AMD management can help preserve vision for as long as possible, but some central vision loss may still occur, as the current treatments don’t stop dry AMD it slows the rate of loss.
  • Results vary depending on how early the disease is found, the type of AMD and how consistent ongoing management is.
  • The goal is to preserve independence and maximise the vision you rely on every day.
  • Regular monitoring ensures your care is adapted over time to support the best outcome for your sight.

Cataract surgery and AMD

 

Many patients with age-related macular degeneration also develop cataracts. This can make vision worse because AMD affects the macula, while cataract clouds the natural lens inside the eye.

When both conditions occur together, your ophthalmologist needs to work out how much of the vision problem comes from cataract and how much comes from macular degeneration.

Cataract surgery can still help many patients with AMD. It may improve brightness, contrast, glare, colour perception and day-to-day visual function. However, cataract surgery cannot reverse macular degeneration. Therefore, patients need realistic counselling before surgery.

Why OCT matters before cataract surgery

  • Before cataract surgery, patients with AMD should have careful macular assessment. OCT imaging helps detect drusen, fluid, scarring, epiretinal membrane, geographic atrophy and other macular problems.
  • This matters because macular disease can limit the final vision after cataract surgery. In addition, OCT may reveal retinal problems that change the surgical plan or the lens implant choice.

If a patient has wet AMD, the macula should ideally be stable before cataract surgery. Dr Sharma will coordinate cataract surgery around anti-VEGF injection timing so the retina remains as stable as possible.

Lens choice matters in patients with AMD.

In many cases, a monofocal intraocular lens gives the most reliable quality of vision. If the patient has significant astigmatism, a toric lens may also help improve distance clarity.

However, trifocal lenses usually need caution in AMD. AMD can reduce contrast sensitivity, and trifocal lenses may increase glare and haloes. As a result, they may not suit patients with macular disease.

Extended depth of focus lenses may suit selected patients with AMD, but the decision needs careful discussion. The ophthalmologist should consider the OCT findings, contrast sensitivity, night-driving needs, visual goals and the level of macular damage.

Cataract surgery in AMD is not just about reading more letters on the chart. Instead, the practical goal is better real-world function.

Patients may notice:

  • brighter vision
  • less glare
  • better colour perception
  • improved contrast
  • easier mobility
  • clearer retinal imaging for future AMD monitoring

However, reading small print may remain difficult if AMD has already damaged the central macula.

Therefore, the safest message is this: cataract surgery can help many patients with AMD, but the expected improvement depends on the cataract, the macula and the lens choice.

  • Before cataract surgery, patients with AMD also need careful screening for other eye conditions that may affect the final result. At Eye & Laser Surgeons in Sydney, Dr Shanel Sharma and Dr Daya Sharma assess the macula, optic nerve and overall eye health before recommending cataract surgery.

    This matters because conditions such as glaucoma, ocular hypertension and age-related macular degeneration can all affect visual quality after cataract surgery. For example, AMD may limit reading vision, while glaucoma can affect peripheral vision, contrast sensitivity and long-term visual function.

    Therefore, cataract surgery planning should not focus only on removing the cloudy lens. Instead, it should include OCT imaging, optic nerve assessment, eye pressure measurement and, when needed, visual field testing. This helps Dr Shanel Sharma or Dr Daya Sharma choose the most appropriate lens implant, explain realistic expectations and protect long-term vision.

    Patients with AMD and glaucoma may still benefit from cataract surgery with iStents. However, the best plan depends on the cataract, the macula, the optic nerve, eye pressure control and the patient’s visual goals.

Frequently asked questions.

Can cataract surgery make AMD worse?

Cataract surgery does not reverse AMD. However, most modern evidence suggests that many patients with AMD benefit from cataract surgery when the cataract contributes to vision loss. When undertaking Cataract surgery in patients with AMD, the timing of the surgery around antiVEGF injections is important to optimise the outcome. Dr Shanel Sharma will plan and discuss this with you. Furthermore, to optimise the outcome careful assessment, OCT imaging and realistic counselling.

You may still be able to have cataract surgery if you have wet AMD. However, your ophthalmologist will usually want the macula stable first. They may also coordinate surgery around your anti-VEGF injection schedule.

Many patients with AMD do best with a monofocal lens. A toric lens may help if you have significant astigmatism. Trifocal lenses usually need caution because AMD can reduce contrast sensitivity.

Yes. Wet AMD can cause sudden distortion, blurred central vision or a missing patch in vision. These symptoms need urgent eye assessment.Yes. Wet AMD can cause sudden distortion, blurred central vision or a missing patch in vision. These symptoms need urgent eye assessment.

AREDS2 supplements may reduce the risk of progression in selected patients with intermediate AMD. However, they do not cure AMD and they do not suit everyone.

GAIN VISUAL FREEDOM IN 3 EASY STEPS

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STEP 1: GET IN TOUCH

Every eye is different. The first step is to find out which treatment could help you see more clearly and protect your long-term vision. Call our caring team or use our online calendar to book an appointment.

STEP 2: WE’LL MEET

During your appointment, we’ll examine your eyes and explain which treatment options may suit your condition and lifestyle. You’ll receive expert advice and a clear, personalised plan.

STEP 3: ENJOY FREEDOM

After treatment, many people feel relief knowing their eyes are healthier and their sight is clearer. With proper care, you can look forward to years of confident, comfortable vision.

Take the first step toward clearer, healthier vision

Book an appointment to learn more about your eyes and the treatment options that may suit you

Take the first step toward clearer, healthier vision

Book an appointment to learn more about your eyes and the treatment options that may suit you

Dr Shanel Sharma ophthalmologist in Sydney providing wet macular degeneration and anti-VEGF injection care

Hi, I’m Dr Shanel Sharma

I’m an ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in paediatric eye conditions, strabismus, medical retina and general ophthalmology from leading hospitals in Sydney and London, including Moorfields Eye Hospital. I hold a Fellowship with RANZCO and have published widely in peer-reviewed journals. My focus is providing careful, individualised care using evidence-based treatments. I’m accredited to treat a range of conditions and perform procedures including intravitreal injections, strabismus surgery and botulinum toxin treatments. I always aim to make the process clear, calm and supportive.

Hi, I’m Dr Daya Sharma

I’m a cataract, corneal and refractive surgeon with subspecialty training from Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and Sydney Eye Hospital. I perform laser vision correction procedures, refractive lens surgery, and advanced cataract surgery using the latest diagnostic and surgical technology. My work is focused on helping people reduce their dependence on glasses and improve their quality of vision at all distances. I’m actively involved in research, publication and surgical education, and I take pride in offering honest, thorough guidance to every patient. My approach is personal, careful and always tailored to individual needs and lifestyles.