Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration damages the macula, the central part of the retina that provides sharp vision. Straight lines may look bent and a patch may appear in the centre of your vision. New distortion or rapid loss of central vision needs same-day assessment by an eye specialist.

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Macular degeneration damages the macula, the central part of the retina that provides sharp vision. Straight lines may look bent and a patch may appear in the centre of your vision. New distortion or rapid loss of central vision needs same-day assessment by an eye specialist.

  • Straight lines, door frames or text look bent, wavy or broken.
  • A blurred, grey or blank patch in the centre of your vision.
  • Check each eye separately with an Amsler grid as your eye specialist has explained.
  • Report a newly bent line, patch or rapid change the same day and do not wait for the next check-up.
  • Contact an eye specialist the same day for new distortion, a new central patch or rapidly decreasing vision in one eye.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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Further reading

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H
Hearing lossHearing loss can develop gradually or suddenly and affect one or both ears. Earwax, middle ear problems, noise damage, age and diseases of the inner ear or hearing nerve are possible causes. Sudden hearing loss needs medical assessment the same day.
P
Posterior vitreous detachmentIn vitreous detachment, the gel inside the eye pulls away from the retina as part of ageing. This is often a normal process, but a retinal tear may occur as it separates. New flashes of light, a sudden increase in moving spots or a dark curtain therefore need assessment by an ophthalmologist or urgent eye service the same day. Only an eye examination with dilated pupils can reliably rule out a retinal tear.
R
Retinal detachmentIn retinal detachment, the light-sensitive retina separates from the layer beneath it. New flashes, many floaters or a dark curtain need emergency eye care the same day.