macular degeneration

Also known as macular degeneration of retina, age related macular degeneration, age-related macular degeneration

retinal degeneration characterized by gradual deterioration of light-sensing cells in the tissues at the back of the eye

Key facts

Other names: Age-related macular degeneration
Specialty: Ophthalmology , optometry
Symptoms: Blurred or no vision in the center of the visual field
Complications: Visual hallucinations
Usual onset: Older people
Types: Early, intermediate, late
Causes: Damage to the macula of the retina
Risk factors: Genetics, smoking
Diagnostic method: Eye examination
Prevention: Exercise, healthy diet, quit smoking
Treatment: Anti-VEGF medication injected into the eye, laser coagulation , photodynamic therapy
Frequency: 8.7% global prevalence in 2020

Article

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD), is an eye disease that gradually damages the macula, the small central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. It mainly affects older adults and can make tasks like reading, driving, recognizing faces, or seeing fine details difficult. Wet ARMD is when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood, damaging the retina and causing rapid loss of central vision. Dry AMRD is when the macula gradually thins and small deposits called drusen build up, leading to a slow loss of central vision.

Macular degeneration typically occurs in older people, and is caused by damage to the macula of the retina. Genetic factors and smoking may play a role. The condition is diagnosed through a complete eye exam. Severity is divided into early, intermediate, and late types. The late type is additionally divided into "dry" and "wet" forms, with the dry form making up 90% of cases.