Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

NEI image of how someone with macular degeneration sees: overall blurriness with a blind spot in the center — What a person with AMD sees

Are you experiencing blurring or a blind spot in the center of your vision? Are you seeing blurry areas on a printed page? Do some straight lines appear wavy? Are there dark spaces or areas in the center of your vision? It might be age-related macular degeneration.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a gradual, progressive, painless deterioration of the macula, which is the small area in the center of the retina that gives us our detailed vision. This is why someone with vision loss from macular degeneration may have trouble reading mail or newspapers but have no trouble spotting an object off to the side or while walking around, even in unfamiliar places.

The Difference Between Wet and Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

By Lylas G. Mogk, M.D., Edited by Sefy Paulose, M.D., March, 2022 There are two types of AMD: dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular or exudative). Most AMD starts as the […]

What Treatments Are Available for Dry and Wet Macular Degeneration?

Dry Macular Degeneration Treatments In dry age-related macular degeneration, small white or yellowish deposits, called drusen, form on the retina beneath the macula, causing it to deteriorate or degenerate over […]

The Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT) for End-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration

By Maureen A. Duffy, M.S., CVR After completing a five-year testing period, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT) in 2010. Now, over a […]

What Is the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS and AREDS2)?

The First Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) The first Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was a major clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute to: Results from the first […]

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Resources

By Lylas G. Mogk, M.D.Edited by Maureen A. Duffy, M.S., CVRT Publications, Organizations, and Support Services for Adults with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Since increasing numbers of adults and older […]

Simulation of the effects of macular degeneration, with central visual field loss

Macular Degeneration: An Overview and Risk Factors

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world in people over 50 years old. It is estimated that among North Americans, 11 million currently […]

How Does Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Affect Vision?

The macula is the retina’s center part, allowing us to see crystal-clear details. When damaged, details—such as the words on this page or a facial expression—become obscured. Your relative or […]

Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and How It Is Diagnosed

As you may not notice any signs of age-related macular degeneration, the best way to protect your sight from AMD is to have regular annual eye examinations. During this examination, […]