Advanced Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, causes deterioration of the retina, the layer of light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. Associated with aging, AMD affects the central vision needed for sharp vision and common tasks like driving and reading. Peripheral (side) vision is usually not affected. People often become aware of the problem when both eyes are affected but vision loss may occur in only one eye while vision in the other eye is unaffected.

Adults over age 60 are most at risk for AMD, but the disease can appear as early as age 40. AMD is the leading cause of impaired reading or detailed vision loss for adults over age 50 and the most common cause of severe vision loss in adults age 65 and older. Studies have also shown that women tend to be more affected with AMD than men.

There are two types of AMD – dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration.

Dry macular degeneration

About 90 percent of AMD cases are diagnosed as dry macular degeneration. As the retina deteriorates a very small area of the retina called the macula, responsible for central and color vision, gradually loses function. In the beginning this can cause slightly blurred vision but can progress until central vision is completely lost. The dry form of AMD can sometimes progress and develop into the more severe form of the disease called wet macular degeneration.