Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that affects the tiny, central part of the retina called the macula at the back of the eye and can cause loss of central vision. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 40.
According to the World Health Organization ‘s (WHO) 2020 World Vision Report, roughly 196 million people globally are known to have macular degeneration.
Macular degeneration can occur in either or both eyes. The disease can develop at any age, but is far more common in people over 60 which is why it is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration, or AMD for short. There is also a juvenile form of macular degeneration that has different causes called Stargardt’s Disease.
AMD does not affect peripheral (side) vision and does not result in total blindness. However, progressive central vision loss can seriously impact everyday life for AMD patients. Those with more serious vision loss experience difficulty with reading, driving, seeing and recognizing faces, playing sports, close-up work, watching television, daily functional needs like cooking, selecting clothing, hygiene, and really, any activity requiring central vision, which is most.
The exact causes of macular degeneration are still being researched, and currently there is no cure. Over the last 20 years, much progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of this progressive eye disease leading to better long-term vision outcomes for many patients. Early detection is key to managing the condition.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Learn more about macular degeneration – the types, symptoms, causes, and risk factors. Also learn about how to reduce your risk, how to diagnose AMD, treatment options and how to find a doctor.
Dry Macular Degeneration
In the “dry” (atrophic) type of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), deterioration of the retina is associated with the formation of small yellow deposits, known as drusen, under the macula.
Geographic Atrophy
Geographic Atrophy (GA), is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that causes cell death (atrophy) in areas of the retina and can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Wet Macular Degeneration
In the “wet” type of macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and macula. These new blood vessels may then bleed and leak fluid, causing the macula to bulge or lift up from its normally flat position, thus distorting or destroying central vision.
Stargardt Disease
In rare cases–one in 20,000–macular degeneration is diagnosed in children and teenagers. Of those cases, the most common cause is Stargardt disease, named for Karl Stargardt, a German ophthalmologist who first reported a case in his practice in 1901.
Is There a Cure?
No, sadly, there is not yet a cure for macular degeneration. However, advancements in the understanding of the causes, and how age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progresses, have led to the identification of lifestyle habits and treatments that can more effectively slow the progression of AMD and preserve vision longer for many people.