Patientin sitzt Augenarzt bei einer Untersuchung gegenüber

Age-related macular degeneration

Treat AMD at Sanoculus in Berlin

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a visual disorder that leads to a gradual deterioration of vision and the incidence of which increases with age. Faces and details gradually appear blurry, colors fade and contrasts decrease – until finally only a dark spot is perceptible.

The treatment of macular diseases is a focus in our Sanoculus Eye Center. With the help of modern treatment methods and the latest scientific findings, our experienced ophthalmologists can improve the eyesight of AMD sufferers – for clear vision in everyday life.

Our ophthalmologists provide information

What is macular degeneration?

The macula, also known as the “yellow spot”, is the visual centre of the human eye and is responsible for sharp vision. Metabolic disorders are responsible for deposits and fluid retention in the macula.

This results in a deterioration in the nutrient supply and ultimately leads to macular degeneration. The cause of the metabolic disorder has not yet been clearly clarified and the speed at which AMD progresses varies from patient to patient.

Dry macular degeneration (dry AMD)

Finger zeigt auf ein Bild einer Netzhaut

The dry form of age-related macular degeneration usually has a rather slow course – extended to months and sometimes even years. About 80% of AMD patients are affected by this form. Slight visual impairment occurs at an early stage and without treatment, the retinal cells die later. The wet form of macular degeneration can develop from the dry variant.

Wet macular degeneration (wet AMD)

In wet AMD, vision usually deteriorates rapidly. The body tries to improve the nutrient deficiency of the retina by forming new blood vessels. In principle, this protective reaction of the eye is a good property, but due to the high speed, the vessels are neither stable nor tight – which can lead to sudden loss of vision. An accurate diagnosis of the AMD form is made by an ophthalmological examination.

“I’ve had these injections in three different clinics and this is where it was best.”

“I have been injected here regularly for a long time and feel well cared for and have great confidence in Dr. Jerrentrup and his team.”

What to look out for?

How do I recognize AMD?

Whether you yourself or someone in the family suffers from macular degeneration can be recognized by a few typical AMD symptoms :

Distorted perception of lines: Straight lines are perceived as curved.


Decrease in central visual acuity: Recognizing faces or reading the hands of a clock becomes more difficult, as many things appear blurred.


Increased need for light: Despite sufficient daylight, additional lighting is required to see objects clearly.


Changed color perception: Colors appear less intense and contrasts are reduced.


Delayed adaptation to changes in light: The eyes need significantly more time to adapt to changing light conditions.


Sensitive reaction to bright light: There is a lot of glare, especially when driving at dusk, which significantly affects vision.

Monitor mit Ergebnisseite

What is possible with wet AMD?

Therapy

IVOM therapy (intravitreal injection) is considered an extremely effective treatment method for the wet form of macular degeneration. In this procedure, drugs that inhibit vascular formation are injected directly into the vitreous humor of the eye. Thanks to local anesthesia, this process is painless. Further treatment then depends on the success of the treatment.

Macular degeneration:

Prevention by experienced specialists

The diagnosis and treatment of macular diseases is a focus of our Sanoculus ophthalmology practices in Berlin. In the ophthalmological diagnosis of macular diseases, a thorough anamnesis is the top priority. We recommend that all patients over the age of 60 undergo a preventive examination for early detection by our experienced ophthalmologists.

Frequently asked questions about macular degeneration

Your ophthalmologist can detect changes in the center of the retina before you even notice any limitations in vision. Our experienced ophthalmologists use various examination methods :

  • Reflection of the fundus of the eye with slit lamp and microscope
  • Examination with visual signs on the eye chart
  • Dye examinations (fluorescence angiography)
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

If wet macular degeneration has been detected by fluorescence angiography and OCT, we recommend IVOM therapy. The medication is administered directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye. The cause of wet AMD lies in a pathological change in the blood vessels of the macula, which are triggered by certain messenger substances (“VEGF”). In IVOM therapy, antibodies against these messenger substances are injected directly into the inside of the eye (the vitreous cavity), which inhibit the formation of new vascular growths by blocking the corresponding messenger substances with medication. The administered volume of the drug is very low at 0.05 – 0.1 ml.

There are risk factors that you have no control over. These include age and genetic predisposition. Women are affected more often than men. Family members of those affected are also often more at risk. People with light eyes, fair skin, and light hair are also more susceptible to macular degeneration.

Known risk factors are smoking and high blood pressure. While high blood pressure should be controlled with medication, quitting smoking is also an important step in prevention.

UV radiation can be another risk factor. Wear sunglasses in particularly bright light, in the mountains and by the sea. A balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables helps against oxidative stress. Vegetables such as broccoli and corn contain lutein, which is found as a yellow pigment in the macula and effectively protects it. Lutein is also available as a dietary supplement and can be used well for prevention.

For medical colleagues:

Patient referral for eye operations

Patientin beim Augenarzt am Empfang

Are you looking for specialists for eye surgery in Berlin for your patients? If you would like to refer your patient to us, please register them for our consultation hours. Please include any previous findings (hospital letters, old FLAs or OCTs etc.) directly.
This way we can avoid unnecessary duplicate examinations.

Telephone agreement under:

(030) 403 660 301

OP-Center Sanoculus Elsterplatz Kissinger Str. 1 14199 Berlin

OP-Center Sanoculus Spandau Wilhelmstr.
23a 13593 Berlin

Sanoculus Roseneck ophthalmology practice Rheinbabenallee 12 14199 Berlin

Sanoculus ophthalmology practice Charlottenburg Paulsborner Str. 2 10709 Berlin

Ophthalmology Practice Sanoculus Kurfürstendamm Kurfürstendamm 115B 10711 Berlin

Sanoculus Haselhorst ophthalmology practice Burscheider Weg 11G 13599 Berlin

Sanoculus Steglitz ophthalmology practice Albrechtstr.
99 12167 Berlin

Sanoculus Rudow ophthalmology practice Köpenicker Str. 184 12355 Berlin