Definition
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. It is responsible for central vision. Macular degeneration is decline of the macula. It causes a gradual loss of sharp, central vision. The condition is mainly a disease of aging. In rare cases it can occur in younger people.
Macular Degeneration
Adult (or age-related) macular degeneration (AMD) occurs in two forms:
Dry AMD
- About 90% of all people with AMD have this type.
- An area of the retina becomes diseased. This leads to a slow breakdown of cells in the macula. The central vision is a gradually lost.
Wet AMD
- Only about 10% of people with AMD have this type. It accounts for the majority of all blindness from the disease.
- As dry AMD worsens, new blood vessels may begin to grow. These new blood vessels often leak blood and fluid under the macula. This can lead to permanent damage of the macular region.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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