Macular Degeneration (Age-Related Type)

Macular Degeneration
(Age-Related Type)

• What is age-related macular degeneration?
• Where is the macula?
• What is wet AMD?
• What is dry AMD?
• What are drusen?
• Which is more common—the dry form or the wet form?
• Can the dry form turn into the wet form?
• The dry form has early and intermediate stages. Does the wet form have similar stages?
• Can advanced AMD be either the dry form or the wet form?
• Who is at risk for AMD?
• Can my lifestyle make a difference?
• What are the symptoms?
• How is AMD detected?
• How is wet AMD treated?
• How is dry AMD treated?
• Age-related eye disease study (AREDS)
• How can I take care of my vision now that I have AMD?
• What can I do if I have already lost some vision from AMD?
• What research is being done?
• Related macular degeneration articles:
  Macular degeneration - on WebMD

What is age-related macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving.

AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. AMD causes no pain.

In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older.

AMD occurs in two forms: wet and dry.

Where is the macula?

The macula is located in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina instantly converts light, or an image, into electrical impulses. The retina then sends these impulses, or nerve signals, to the brain.

What is wet AMD?

Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid. The blood and fluid raise the macula from its normal place at the back of the eye. Damage to the macula occurs rapidly.

With wet AMD, loss of central vision can occur quickly. Wet AMD is also known as advanced AMD. It does not have stages like dry AMD.

An early symptom of wet AMD is that straight lines appear wavy. If you notice this condition or other changes to your vision, contact your eye care professional at once. You need a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

What is dry AMD?

In dry AMD, the light sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down. With less of the macula functioning, central vision diminishes. Dry AMD often occurs in just one eye at first. Later, the other eye can be affected. Doctors have no way of knowing if or when both eyes may become involved. The cause of dry AMD is unknown.