Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 60 and older. It destroys the sharp, central vision needed to see objects clearly and for tasks such as reading and driving.
It affects the macula, the part of the eye that sees fine detail, and makes its cells die. It does not hurt.
Two types
| Wet AMD | Dry AMD | |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | Abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and often leak blood and fluid | The light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down |
| How fast | Damages the macula quickly | Central vision is lost gradually |
| A common early sign | Blurred vision | Straight lines look crooked |
Exams and treatment
Regular comprehensive eye exams can find macular degeneration before it causes vision loss. Treatment can slow the loss of vision, but it does not restore vision already lost.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Macular Degeneration," from the NIH National Eye Institute. https://medlineplus.gov/maculardegeneration.html
- Rewritten in hubnx's own words.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
1
0
0
0
Comments
Read next
Version: 2CC0 1.0 — public domain
Neural tube defects form in the first month of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Enough folic acid before and during pregnancy prevents most of them.
Version: 2CC BY-SA 4.0
