Macular Degeneration Also called: AMD, Age-related macular degeneration Summary Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 and older. It is a disease that destroys your sharp, central vision. You need central vision to see objects clearly and to do tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. It does not hurt, but it causes cells in the macula to die. There are two types: wet and dry. Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula. These new blood vessels often leak blood and fluid. Wet AMD damages the macula quickly. Blurred vision is a common early symptom. Dry AMD happens when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down. Your gradually lose your central vision. A common early symptom is that straight lines appear crooked. Regular comprehensive eye exams can detect macular degeneration before the disease causes vision loss. Treatment can slow vision loss. It does not restore vision. NIH: National Eye Institute National Eye Institute Start Here Age-Related Macular Degeneration National Eye Institute Facts about Age-Related Macular Degeneration National Eye Institute Protect Your Eyes: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Facts and Prevention Tips National Eye Institute What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration? American Academy of Ophthalmology Find an Expert American Academy of Ophthalmology American Academy of Ophthalmology American Optometric Association American Optometric Association Find Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired American Foundation for the Blind National Eye Institute National Eye Institute Statistics and Research Blood Pressure Drugs and AMD American Academy of Ophthalmology Emerging Technologies Look Deeper into the Eyes to Catch Signs of Disease National Eye Institute NIH Study Provides Clarity on Supplements for Protection Against Blinding Eye Disease National Eye Institute Three Studies Point to Same Risk Gene for Age-Related Macular Degeneration National Eye Institute Treatments and Therapies Choosing Wisely When It Comes to Eye Care: Antibiotics for Eye Injections American Academy of Ophthalmology What the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies Mean for You (AREDS2) National Eye Institute Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Macular Degeneration National Institutes of Health Reference Desk Diagram of the Eye National Eye Institute Living With Diet and Nutrition American Academy of Ophthalmology Make the Most of Your Vision Macular Degeneration Partnership Diagnosis and Tests Dilating Eye Drops American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Tests Your Doctor Might Use Macular Degeneration Partnership Specifics Dry Macular Degeneration Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Wet Macular Degeneration Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research NIH MedlinePlus Magazine Ernest Borgnine Lays It on the Line: Hollywood Hero Focuses on Macular Degeneration Nutrition and the Aging Eye Videos from the National Eye Institute: Eye Diseases Array Fluorescein angiography Home vision tests Intravitreal injection Macular degeneration Macular degeneration – age-related Genetics Genetics Home Reference: age-related macular degeneration National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: Stargardt macular degeneration National Library of Medicine Prevention and Risk Factors Macular Degeneration Prevention and Risk Factors BrightFocus Foundation Encyclopedia Ophthalmoscopy Slit-lamp exam Standard ophthalmic exam Journal Articles Macular Degeneration Children Stargardt Disease Foundation Fighting Blindness Latest News Newer Drugs Helping Older People with Eye Disease HealthDay
