Overview of Age-related Macular Degeneration and Its Impact

Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease affecting older adults, leading to central vision loss over time.
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Geriatrics | Age-related Diseases | Ophthalmology | Vision Loss In Elderly | Retinal Disease
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Jane Cox

Age-related Macular Degeneration FAQ


Image credit: bmj.com

What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) What is AMD? Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects the middle part of your vision. It usually first affects people in their 50s and 60s. It does not cause total blindness. But it can make everyday activities like reading and recognising faces difficult.

What are the different types of macular degeneration?

There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Nearly 90% of people with macular degeneration have the dry form. It develops when tiny yellow protein deposits called drusen form under your macula. The built-up deposits dry and thin your macula. Vision loss with the dry form of macular degeneration tends to occur gradually.

How common is age-related macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration only develops in older people (there are other rare types of macular degeneration which occur in younger people). AMD is the most common cause of severe sight problems (visual impairment) in the developed world. It is more common with increasing age. It is rare under the age of 60.

Can age-related macular degeneration cause blindness?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the middle part of your vision. It doesn’t cause blindness, but it can make seeing things more difficult. You can develop it in just one eye or in both. You either have 'dry' or 'wet' AMD. Dry AMD is more common. There isn't a treatment but visual aids can help to manage symptoms.

What is dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a gradual deterioration of the macula as the retinal cells die off and are not renewed. Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) develops when abnormal blood vessels grow into the macula. These leak blood or fluid which leads to scarring of the macula and rapid loss of central vision.

What causes age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

The exact causes of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are unknown, although there is evidence that certain groups are at a higher risk of developing AMD. These include smokers, people who are overweight or have high blood pressure, and people with a family history of macular degeneration.

Age-related Macular Degeneration References

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