Description

It will be abundantly clear to optometrists that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represents a substantial ophthalmic health problem. Indeed, as the articles in this themed issue consistently remind us, AMD is the leading cause of visual impairment in the western world. As primary health care professionals, optometrists are often involved in the assessment of patients with AMD. In many instances these patients are looking for help and guidance on prognosis, treatment options and low vision aids. In recent years there has been a steady increase in the amount of information made available in the public domain on AMD, e.g. the Internet. Sometimes patients themselves or their relatives will have a high degree of knowledge on AMD and current research into treatment or rehabilitation strategies. In many other instances, patients and their relatives may have serious misunderstandings with respect to the prognosis of the condition, a factor not helped by the simplified and often overoptimistic reporting of new therapies that occurs in the national press. Patients have a right to expect optometrists to have a level of knowledge on AMD that is appropriate for an ophthalmic professional, even where this knowledge may fall outside traditional responsibilities, such as in disease treatment. This feature issue of CE Optometry on AMD will hopefully provide the practitioner with an up to date balanced view of the current status of this disease, covering topics ranging from pathophysiology to low vision rehabilitation.

This issue starts with a guest editorial from Professor Alan Bird followed by articles on the epidemiology of AMD (Consuella Moorman) and pathophysiology (Stephen Beatty). Articles by Paul Bishop and David Wong et al discuss, respectively, the use of laser treatment in AMD and the surgical options in AMD. While it is fitting that these traditional medical topics are given due attention, this issue does not neglect the psychosocial and rehabilitation topics that are of considerable significance in the management of patients with AMD. Psychosocial factors are discussed by Rebecca Griffiths and Barbara Ryan, while Chris Dickinson synthesises much low vision research work in her review of the rehabilitation of reading in AMD. Finally, Maggie Harrison describes the phenomenon of Charles Bonnet Syndrome, reminding practitioners of their important role in patient education.