Macular Degeneration

As a disease usually associated with aging, macular degeneration is also called age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), though there are other, less common types of macular degeneration.

The initial symptoms of macular degneration is variable. Initial symptoms may include a gradual loss of central vision needed to perform everyday tasks like driving or reading, and a reduced ability to see small visual details like fine print or patterns. Progression of macular degeneration leads to gradual central vision loss.

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans over age 60. It is caused by the gradual degeneration of the macula, the portion of the eye responsible for the center vision. Macular degernation presents itself in two forms: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. Of the two, the “dry” form is far more common.

Currently, macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in persons over age 60. Caucasians are far more likely to lose vision from ARMD than African Americans, and studies show that obesity, smoking, and exposure to UV rays may also be risk factors for developing the disease.

Macular degeneration tends to affect women more than men, and has also been linked to heredity. Nearly 90% of all diagnosed ARMD is the dry form.