Macular Degeneration

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is the breakdown or deterioration of the macula—the portion of the eye’s retina that affects fine, central vision. Because macular degeneration primarily affects people over age 60, it is also called AMD (age-related macular degeneration.)

People who have macular degeneration may have trouble seeing clearly or seeing color. They may have a black or empty spot in the center of their vision. Although they do not become totally blind, they may have trouble performing every day tasks such as reading or driving a car.

There are two forms of macular degeneration, wet and dry. Dry is the most common, accounting for about 90% of all cases. Dry macular degeneration comes on gradually. Unfortunately, there is no cure or treatment for dry macular degeneration at the present time. Wet macular degeneration, which is much less common, comes on more suddenly. It can sometimes be treated with lasers if it is diagnosed early enough.

Your optometrist can diagnose macular degeneration through a thorough eye examination. Although vision lost because of macular degeneration cannot be restored, there are vision aids (special glasses, etc.) that can help reduce its impact on people’s lives.

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