Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. This can stop individuals from participating in common daily tasks such as reading and driving.  AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in individuals who are 60 years of age and older.

There are two types of AMD, wet and dry AMD. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid. The blood and fluid raise the macula from its normal place at the back of the eye. Damage to the macula occurs much more rapidly in Wet AMD than Dry AMD. Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision, which means more light for reading and other daily tasks is required.  Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected.
 

Brandon Medical provide an illuminated magnifier which helps those with dry age related macular degeneration. Optica 388 has a central magnifier which is surrounded by high intense lighting to maximise vision for the user. Traditional magnifiers are hand held, which necessitates the practical loss of one hand, and are often too small, making reading and writing difficult. However, Optica 388 has a range of mountings enabling the light to be mounted on a rail, wall, desk or a mobile trolley.

An AMD user of Optica 388 speaks about his first hand experience with the light:

‘Brandon Medical’s specialized medical lamp is literally a pure gift of sight that provides not only adequately strong illumination to actually see by but also the size of the lamp’s magnifying lens and it’s simple, easy and versatile control joints leave both hands free.’

Optica 388 uses a cool light which can be used for extensive lengths of time without increasing the temperature within the illuminated area. Conventional desk lights heat the area directly underneath which can be uncomfortable for the user when used for a length of time.