Macula and macular degeneration: AMD Information and Resources

Age related macular degeneration (AMD): Definition of central vision loss caused by macular degeneration

Age related Macular degeneration or simply macular degeneration or AMD is a common eye disease that causes deterioration of the tiny central part of the retina, called the macula, a thin tissue at the back of the eye where light-sensitive cells send visual signals to the brain. Sharp, clear, 'straight ahead' vision is processed by the macula. Macular degeneration gradually causes central vision loss, making reading or driving difficult or impossible. Although some peripheral vision remains, a person with macular degeneration has increasing difficulty in reading, watching television or even recognizing friends.

Amsler Grid test used to diagnose Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

An amsler grid test is simple test given by a retina doctor that is often used to detect distortion and damage to the macula resulting in blind spots and blurred or distorted vision. A visual field test may also be used. Macula degeneration accounts for one third of all cases of legal blindness in the US, making it the leading cause of blindness in Americans over age 65.

Two forms of Age related macular degeneration (AMD): wet AMD and dry AMD

There are two forms of AMD, dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. The "dry" form, which accounts for 85 percent to 90 percent of all cases, does not cause blindness but does cause a loss of central vision that can produce grayness, haziness or a blind spot in the central area of vision. In the dry form of the disease, tiny white deposits called drusen accumulate in the retina, and there is a thinning of macular tissue. The cause is unknown, although lifetime exposure to sunlight and smoking may increase the risk. In "wet" AMD cases, which account for 10 percent to 15 percent of all cases, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, scarring or destroying retinal tissue and often causing sudden blindness. The wet form causes most AMD-related blindness.

Statistics on macular degeneration treatment and photodynamic therapy

1.7 million Americans suffer major vision loss due to macular degeneration. The government estimates that by the year 2030, with the aging of the Baby Boomers, 63 million Americans could be functionally, if not totally, blinded by this eye disease. Victims of macular degeneration are often surprised and frustrated to find out how little is known about the causes and treatment of this blinding condition. Although there is no macular degeneration cure, a new treatment for macular degeneration, Photodynamic therapy, is sometimes used as a treatment with varying degrees of success. Macular degeneration aids are also available to provide some relief.