Conditions InDepth: Macular Degeneration
The retina is the tissue that lines the back of the eye. It sends visual signals to the brain. The macula is part of the retina.
Macular degeneration is a chronic and usually progressive disorder that affects the central part of the retina (the macula) and reduces the ability to see. Macular degeneration causes a gradual loss of sharp, central vision.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in older adults in the US. The frequency of this disorder increases with age. The majority of affected people are over 75-80 years old. In rare cases, it can occur in younger people.
Adult macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form of macular degeneration.
There are 3 stages of AMD, depending on the presence and size of drusen (yellow deposits beneath the retina), pigment changes in the retina, the amount of macular damage, and severity of visual changes.
Early Macular Degeneration
There are medium-sized drusen (about the width of an average human hair), but no macular changes or vision loss.
Intermediate Macular Degeneration
There are large drusen, pigment changes in the retina, or both, some vision loss, but no macular changes or other symptoms.
Late Macular Degeneration
In addition to drusen and pigment changes, there is more severe vision loss and macular changes.
- Dry (geographic) AMD is most common and involves macular thinning due to a slow breakdown of cells in the macula.
- Wet (neovascular) AMD also includes abnormal blood vessels that grow under the retina and macula. This can result in macular damage from pressure or bleeding and fluid leakage.
Macular DegenerationCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
| Next |
References:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed November 28, 2016.
Last Updated: 3/31/2021
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com.
 | EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. |
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.