VISION CARE IN PAPHOS
Age-related macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of central vision change in people over 50. AMD affects the macula — the part of the retina responsible for detailed, central vision — and can progress gradually or, in wet AMD, more rapidly. For macular degeneration in Paphos, Dr Valentina Stavrou provides careful retinal assessment, OCT imaging, structured monitoring for dry AMD, and intravitreal injection treatment for wet AMD when indicated.
The macula is a small area at the centre of the retina responsible for the sharp, detailed vision used for reading, recognising faces, and fine tasks. AMD involves progressive changes to this area that can affect central vision over time.
AMD does not affect peripheral vision, so patients do not go completely blind, but significant central vision loss can meaningfully impact daily life and independence.
There are two main forms of AMD, and understanding the distinction matters for planning care.
Dry AMD can convert to wet AMD, which is one reason why regular monitoring is important even when vision feels stable.
Symptoms vary between individuals and may develop gradually without being noticed at first, particularly when one eye is more affected than the other.
New or worsening distortion — particularly wavy lines — should be assessed promptly, as this can be an early sign of wet AMD conversion.
Assessment involves a combination of clinical examination and imaging to characterise the type and extent of macular changes.
OCT imaging is central to AMD assessment and monitoring. It allows precise detection of retinal fluid and structural changes that may not be visible on clinical examination alone.
Wet AMD is treated with intravitreal injections — anti-VEGF medications delivered directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye. These target the abnormal blood vessel growth that drives wet AMD.
Treatment aims to stabilise vision and, in many patients, achieve meaningful improvement. The treatment schedule depends on how the eye responds and is guided by OCT imaging at each visit. A more detailed overview of the injection process and what patients can expect is available on the retinal care and injections page.
Dry AMD does not currently have a direct pharmacological treatment, but monitoring is important to detect progression and identify early conversion to wet AMD, which requires prompt intervention.
Follow-up intervals are based on the stage of dry AMD. In patients with intermediate or advanced dry AMD, a home monitoring tool such as an Amsler grid can help identify new symptoms between appointments. Nutritional supplementation (AREDS2 formulation) may be discussed in appropriate patients with intermediate AMD.
AMD becomes more common with age, but several factors may influence individual risk.
Patients with early AMD or risk factors benefit from regular retinal review even when vision remains good.
Patients seen for AMD assessment may also have other retinal or ocular findings that need attention, including cataract, glaucoma, or diabetic eye changes. A thorough evaluation ensures that all relevant findings are considered as part of the clinical picture.
Macular degeneration
New or sudden distortion of vision, a new dark area in central vision, or a marked change in existing AMD symptoms should be assessed promptly. Wet AMD can progress quickly and early treatment generally produces better outcomes.
Dry AMD is the more common form and tends to progress slowly. It involves gradual thinning and pigment changes in the macula. Wet AMD is less common but can cause more rapid vision change due to abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina. Both forms require monitoring, and wet AMD is typically treated with intravitreal injections.
Wet AMD can be treated effectively with intravitreal injections that target abnormal blood vessel growth. Treatment aims to stabilise vision and, in some cases, achieve partial improvement. Dry AMD does not currently have a direct treatment, but monitoring and, in selected patients, nutritional support may be relevant. Regular follow-up is important for both forms.
AMD is assessed through dilated retinal examination and OCT imaging, which provides detailed cross-sectional images of the macula. Visual function tests and, when relevant, fluorescein angiography may also be used. The diagnosis and type of AMD guide decisions about monitoring frequency and treatment.
The main risk factor is age — AMD becomes more common after 50 and is more prevalent after 65. Other factors include a family history of AMD, smoking, cardiovascular risk factors, and lighter iris colour. Patients with early AMD findings are monitored more closely for signs of progression.