Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration, Age-related macular degeneration, AMD
Macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 and older, although it can occur in people as young as 40. It is a disease that destroys your sharp, central vision. When your central vision is affected it is difficult to see objects clearly and to do tasks such as reading and driving. Some symptoms of this condition are blind spots, and blurred or distorted vision.
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. In some cases, AMD advances at a very slow pace and people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. Regular comprehensive eye exams can detect macular degeneration before the disease causes vision loss. Treatment can slow vision loss. It does not restore vision.