Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. The disease results from degeneration or deterioration of the macula, the very center of the retina. Macular degeneration occurs most commonly as part of the natural aging process, and is referred to as ‘AMD’ (age-related macular degeneration). When the macula does not function properly, your central vision can become blurry, dark, or distorted. Damage to your central vision can affect your ability to see near and far, and can make some activities – like reading and driving – difficult or impossible.

How does AMD damage vision?

The retina is “the film in the camera”; a paper-thin tissue that lines the back of the eye and sends visual signals to the brain. In the middle of the retina is a highly specialized area called the macula. The macula is made up of millions of light-sensing cells that collectively produce central vision.

AMD occurs in two forms:

”Dry” AMD - Ninety percent of all people with AMD have this form. Exactly why it develops is not known, but it seems to be caused by aging and thinning of the tissues of the macula. A slow breakdown of the light-sensing cells in the macula leads to a gradual loss of central vision.

“Wet” AMD - Although only 10 percent of all people with AMD have this form, it accounts for 90 percent of all blindness from the disease. As dry AMD worsens, abnormal blood vessels may form underneath the retina. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile, and will often leak blood and fluid. This causes damage to the overlying retinal tissue, and can lead to rapid and severe loss of central vision.