What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration — also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD) — is a vision change that can gradually create blurry vision over time. 

AMD affects the macula, the small central area of the retina that maintains our sharpest vision. The health of the macula determines our ability to read, recognize faces, drive, watch television, use a digital device and perform any other detailed visual task. 

A patient with age-related macular degeneration gradually loses central vision but maintains peripheral or side vision. Blindness is rare in AMD. 

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss among older Americans. According to statistics, one-third of males and one-quarter of females over 75 have some form of AMD.

The prevalence of AMD and the severity of vision loss increases with age, according to the American Optometric Association.

AMD may occur in one or both eyes and may affect each eye differently. AMD is most common in the white population. 

Types of macular degeneration

There are two types of macular degeneration: Dry AMD and Wet AMD.

Dry AMD (also called non-exudative AMD) is the most common form, affecting 80%-90% of AMD patients. 

Dry AMD is due to an accumulation of proteins in the macula that causes the retinal cells above them to lose function. These protein deposits are called drusen. Most patients with dry AMD notice a gradual, painless loss of vision that progresses with time. 

Wet AMD (also called exudative AMD) is a more visually threatening condition and accounts for 10%-20% of AMD cases. 

Wet AMD is caused by leaky blood vessels in the retina. These abnormal blood vessels may leak fluids or blood into the back of the eye. 

Patients with wet age-related macular degeneration typically experience more significant vision loss than those with dry AMD. The vision loss caused by wet AMD is often noticed by the patient once the condition is very serious. 

In some cases, wet AMD can cause sudden vision loss.