Macular Degeneration

About Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a deterioration or breakdown of the eye's macula. The macula is a small area in the retina. It is actually the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. The macula is the part of the retina that is responsible for your central vision, allowing you to see fine details clearly. When macular degeneration sets in deterioration of central vision begins. Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of decreased vision in the United States in patients over age 50. Many older people develop macular degeneration as part of the natural aging process. There are different kinds of macular problems, but the most common is age-related macular degeneration. People with macular degeneration may have symptoms such as blurriness, dark areas or distortion in your central vision, and perhaps permanent loss of your central vision. It usually does not affect your side, or peripheral vision. For example, with advanced macular degeneration, you could see the outline of a television, yet may not be able to see the text of the TV screen.

Types of Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is an age related eye disease that causes loss of central vision and typically comes in two forms known as dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. If you are over the age of sixty years old and have not had a routine eye exam it is highly suggested that you schedule an eye exam to look for early signs of this degenerative eye disease.

• "Dry" form — the most common form usually progresses slowly and causes central vision loss.
• "Wet" form — rare, and more severe. May progress rapidly causing significant central vision loss.