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Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 60, and can be slowed down with appropriate treatment. Macular degeneration occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, is damaged. The retina is the light-sensing nerve tissue at the back of the eye. Because the disease develops as a person ages, it is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

There are two types of age-related macular degeneration: the "dry" form and the "wet" form.

• Dry form. The "dry" form of macular degeneration is characterized by the presence of yellow deposits, called drusen, in the macula. In general, drusen does not cause changes in vision; however, as they grow in size and increase in number, they may lead to a dimming or distortion of vision that people find most noticeable when they read. In more advanced stages of dry macular degeneration, there is also a thinning of the light-sensitive layer of cells in the macula leading to atrophy, or tissue death. In the atrophic form of dry macular degeneration, patients may have blind spots in their vision. In the advanced stages, patients may even lose central vision.
• Wet form. The "wet" form, or exudative neovascular form of macular degeneration is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels from the choroid underneath the macula. This is called choroidal neovascularization. These blood vessels leak blood and fluid into the eye, causing distortion of vision that makes straight lines look wavy, as well as blind spots and loss of central vision. These abnormal blood vessels eventually scar, leading to permanent loss of central vision. Most patients with macular degeneration have the dry form of the disease and will not lose central vision. However, the dry form of macular degeneration can lead to the wet form. Although only about 10% of people with macular degeneration develop the wet form, they make up the majority of those who experience serious vision loss from the disease.

Because the dry form can change into the wet form, it is very important for people with macular degeneration to monitor their eyesight carefully and see their eye doctor on a regular basis. Macular degeneration

Who Gets Macular Degeneration?

As the name suggests, age-related macular degeneration is more common in older adults. In fact, it is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over age 60.

Macular degeneration may be hereditary, meaning it can be passed on from parents to children. If someone in your family has or had the condition you may be at higher risk for developing macular degeneration. Talk to your eye doctor about your individual risk.

What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration often does not have symptoms and is unrecognized until it affects both eyes. The first sign of macular degeneration is usually distortion of straight lines. This may progress to a gradual loss of central vision.

Symptoms of macular degeneration include:

• Straight lines start to appear distorted, or the center of vision becomes distorted
• Dark, blurry areas or white out appears in the center of vision
• Diminished or changed color perception

If you experience any of these symptoms, see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.