home > drugs a-z list > macugen (pegaptanib sodium) drug center

Macular Degeneration »

Macular degeneration facts

• The macula is in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. The macula is responsible for central vision (straight-ahead vision). Degeneration of the macula occurs most often after the age of 60 years and is termed age-related macular generation (AMD).
• AMD is a painless condition.
• There are two types of AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD.
• Smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, a diet high in unsaturated fats and simple carbohydrates and lack of exercise all increase the risk of AMD.
• Early symptoms of dry AMD include slightly blurred vision, the need for more light for reading, and difficulty recognizing faces until very close to the person. A symptom of more advanced dry AMD is the presence of a blurred spot in the center of vision. An early symptom of wet AMD is the wavy appearance of straight lines.
• Dry AMD cannot be treated...

Read the Macular Degeneration article »