In this Article

• What is age-related macular degeneration?
• Where is the macula?
• What is wet AMD?
• What is dry AMD?
• What are drusen?
• Which is more common—the dry form or the wet form?
• Can the dry form turn into the wet form?
• The dry form has early and intermediate stages. Does the wet form have similar stages?
• Can advanced AMD be either the dry form or the wet form?
• Who is at risk for AMD?
• Can my lifestyle make a difference?
• What are the symptoms?
• How is AMD detected?
• How is wet AMD treated?
• How is dry AMD treated?
• Age-related eye disease study (AREDS)
• How can I take care of my vision now that I have AMD?
• What can I do if I have already lost some vision from AMD?
• What research is being done?
• Macular Degeneration (Age-Related Type) Glossary
• Macular Degeneration (Age-Related Type) Index

What research is being done?

The National Eye Institute is conducting and supporting a number of studies to learn more about AMD. For example, scientists are:

• Studying the possibility of transplanting healthy cells into a diseased retina.



• Evaluating families with a history of AMD to understand genetic and hereditary factors that may cause the disease.



• Looking at certain anti-inflammatory treatments for the wet form of AMD.

This research should provide better ways to detect, treat, and prevent vision loss in people with AMD.

Macular Degeneration At A Glance

• The macula is in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye.
• The macula is responsible for central vision (straight-ahead vision).
• Degeneration of the macula occurs most often after the age of 60 years and is termed age-related macular generation (AMD).
• Smoking increases the risk of AMD.
• AMD is a painless condition.
• There are two types of AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD.
• Early symptoms of dry AMD include slightly blurred vision, the need for more light for reading, and difficulty recognizing faces until very close to the person.
• A symptom of more advanced dry AMD is the presence of a blurred spot in the center of vision.
• Dry AMD cannot be treated at present.
• An early symptom of wet AMD is the wavy appearance of straight lines.
• Early diagnosis of wet AMD is particularly critical; if in doubt, go to the doctor.
• Laser surgery can save sight in wet AMD.

SOURCE: U.S. National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute

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