Many are not aware that age-related macular degeneration, often called ARMD, is the leading cause of blindness in the world. According to the eye-health organization Prevent Blindness America, some 13 million Americans have evidence of ARMD.

The disease breaks down the macula, the light-sensitive part of the retina responsible for the sharp, direct vision needed to read or drive.

Macular degeneration is more common in people over age 65, and whites and females tend to get the disease more than others. Most cases of macular degeneration are related to aging, but it also can occur as a side effect of some drugs, and it appears to run in families.

Macular degeneration can produce a slow or sudden painless loss of vision. If straight lines look wavy, vision begins to seem fuzzy, or there are shadowy areas in central vision, it may indicate early signs of age-related macular degeneration.

Learn more about AMD and treatments available at the John Kenyon American Eye Institute.