Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans aged 65 and older.

Macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, the inside back layer of the eye that records the images we see and sends them via the optic nerve from the eye to the brain. The retina's central portion, known as the macula, is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye, and it controls our ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors, and see objects in fine detail.

Thanks to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) for providing the animated graphic.

There are two basic types of macular degeneration: “wet” and “dry.”

In the “wet” type of macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels (known as choroidal neovascularization) grow under the retina and macula. These new blood vessels may then bleed and leak fluid, causing the macula to bulge or lift up, thus distorting or destroying central vision. Under these circumstances, vision loss may be rapid and severe.

In the “dry” type of macular degeneration, the deterioration of the retina is associated with the formation of small yellow deposits, known as drusen, under the macula. This phenomena leads to a thinning and drying out of the macula, causing the macula to lose its function. The amount of central vision loss is directly related to the location and amount of retinal thinning caused by the drusen.

Regularly scheduled eye exams by an eye professional are encouraged for early detection.