Introduction
At The Retina Clinic London, we provide a specialist screening service for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD), designed to detect and monitor the condition at its earliest stages. Our state-of-the-art imaging, AI-powered analysis, and expert-led care ensure that patients receive the most accurate assessment and best possible management for their Dry AMD.
Dry AMD is a progressive condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. Over time, it can lead to Geographic Atrophy (GA), where retinal cells gradually deteriorate, causing permanent vision loss. Although Dry AMD progresses more slowly than Wet AMD, early detection and proactive management are key to preserving vision.
Understanding the Stages of Dry AMD
Dry AMD progresses through three main stages:
1. Early Dry AMD
Presence of small to medium-sized drusen (yellow deposits beneath the retina).
No noticeable vision loss at this stage.
Importance of Screening: Early detection allows for lifestyle adjustments and monitoring to slow disease progression.
2. Intermediate Dry AMD
Larger drusen and changes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).
Patients may start experiencing mild central vision blurring or difficulty in low-light conditions.
Why Monitoring Matters: Patients at this stage are at an increased risk of developing Geographic Atrophy (GA) or progressing to Wet AMD.
Potential Treatment: Photobiomodulation therapy has been shown to reduce drusen burden in some cases, which may help delay disease progression.
3. Late Dry AMD (Geographic Atrophy, GA)
Significant retinal cell loss in the macula, leading to progressive central vision loss.
Patients may struggle with reading, recognising faces, and distinguishing colours.
Monitoring is Critical: GA can expand over time, leading to further vision loss. Some patients may also convert to Wet AMD, requiring immediate treatment with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections.
Available Treatment: Syfovre (Pegcetacoplan), which has been shown in studies to preserve up to 30% of vision loss over several years. This is available at The Retina Clinic London on a named-patient basis.
By undergoing regular screenings, patients with Intermediate or Late Dry AMD can be monitored closely for disease progression, ensuring timely intervention when necessary.
What Does Our Dry AMD Screening Service Include?
At The Retina Clinic London, we use a comprehensive, multimodal approach to detect and track Dry AMD at all stages, allowing for precise disease management.
1. Visual Acuity & Contrast Sensitivity Testing
Measures how sharp and clear vision remains.
Assesses how well different levels of contrast can be distinguished, important for detecting early functional changes in Dry AMD.
2. High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Provides detailed cross-sectional imaging of the macula, detecting drusen, RPE damage, and early signs of GA.
Essential for assessing retinal structure and identifying high-risk patients.
3. Ultrawidefield Fundus Imaging
Captures detailed images of the retina, identifying drusen accumulation, pigmentary changes, and atrophic areas.
4. Autofluorescence Imaging
Detects lipofuscin accumulation, a marker of retinal cell stress and disease progression.
Helps monitor Geographic Atrophy (GA) expansion over time.
5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Monitoring
Measures photoreceptor loss, which occurs before RPE loss and GA formation, allowing us to predict disease progression and advise patients on next steps.
Accurately tracks disease progression and subtle retinal changes, enabling early intervention.
6. Adaptive Optics Imaging
Provides high-resolution imaging of individual photoreceptor cells, offering unparalleled insight into retinal cell health.
Helps evaluate how Dry AMD is affecting the retina at a cellular level.
7. Electroretinography (ERG)
Measures the electrical response of retinal cells to light, assessing the function of photoreceptors before significant vision loss occurs.
8. Specialist Consultation with Retina Experts
A comprehensive review of findings with one of our retinal specialists.
Personalised recommendations on lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and treatment options.
How Does Our Screening Differ from a Standard NHS Eye Test?
Our Dry AMD Screening Service offers a far more detailed assessment than standard NHS eye tests. Key advantages include:
- Comprehensive Testing: NHS eye exams focus on general eye health, whereas our service uses specialist imaging and AI-powered tools to detect subtle changes associated with Dry AMD.
- Specialist-Led Assessments: Consultations with world-leading retinal specialists ensure your condition is thoroughly evaluated by experts in Dry AMD care.
- Rapid Access to Advanced Diagnostics: Avoid NHS waiting times, our service ensures immediate, high-quality care.
- Early Detection for Better Outcomes: Identifying early AMD signs allows for timely intervention, significantly reducing the risk of severe vision loss.
- Personalised Long-Term Management: Unlike standard tests, our approach provides individualised monitoring and treatment planning based on your stage of AMD.
What Are the Treatment Options for Dry AMD?
1. Intermediate Dry AMD, Photobiomodulation Therapy
A non-invasive light therapy that stimulates cellular repair and reduces oxidative stress.
Studies suggest it may reduce drusen burden and delay disease progression.
Available for patients with Intermediate Dry AMD at The Retina Clinic London.
2. Late Dry AMD (Geographic Atrophy, GA) Syfovre (Pegcetacoplan)
Slows disease progression by targeting the complement cascade, an immune pathway linked to GA.
Studies show up to 30% of vision loss can be preserved over several years.
Available at The Retina Clinic London on a named-patient basis, offered monthly or bi-monthly as part of a personalised care plan.
3. Conversion to Wet AMD, Immediate Treatment Available
Some patients with Intermediate or Late Dry AMD may convert to Wet AMD, requiring urgent treatment.
At The Retina Clinic London, we provide same-day anti-VEGF injections, including:
- Faricimab (Vabysmo)
- Aflibercept (Eylea)
- Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
- Bevacizumab (Avastin)
Regular screenings ensure that if conversion to Wet AMD occurs, treatment can begin immediately, reducing the risk of severe vision loss.
Why Choose The Retina Clinic London?
At The Retina Clinic London, we offer the most advanced Dry AMD screening service available, ensuring:
World-Class Expertise: Led by Professor Paulo Stanga and his team of retinal specialists, with decades of experience in AMD management.
Cutting-Edge Diagnostics: Using ultrawidefield imaging, AI-powered monitoring, and electroretinography, we detect Dry AMD at its earliest stages.
Access to Emerging Treatments: We provide FDA-approved therapies, photobiomodulation, and clinical trial opportunities.
Comprehensive Care Plans: Tailored monitoring and treatment strategies based on disease stage and risk factors.
Immediate Access to Wet AMD Treatment: If Dry AMD converts to Wet AMD, we offer same-day anti-VEGF injections to preserve vision.
Book Your Dry AMD Screening Today
If you have a family history of AMD, are over 50, or have noticed changes in your vision, book a comprehensive Dry AMD screening today.
Call +44 (0)20 4548 5310 or email info@theretinacliniclondon.com for expert-led care and the most advanced AMD monitoring available.