Diagnosis: Macular Degeneration (MD)

What is Macular Degeneration (MD)?

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye condition affecting as many as 10 million Americans and millions more around the world. This disease attacks the macula of the eye, where our sharpest central vision occurs. Although it rarely results in complete blindness, it robs the individual of all but the outermost, peripheral vision, leaving only dim images or black holes at the center of vision.

Individuals with macular degeneration may first notice a blurring of central vision that is most apparent when performing visually detailed tasks such as reading and sewing. Blurred central vision may also make straight lines appear slightly distorted or warped. As the disease progresses, blind spots form within central vision. In most cases, if one eye has macular degeneration, the other eye will also develop the disease. The extent of central vision loss varies according to the type of degeneration.

What causes Macular Degeneration (MD)?

There are two types of macular degeneration, wet and dry.

Dry MD is the most common. It is caused by the aging and thinning of blood vessels under the macula which results in mild, yet gradually occurring loss of vision that is especially noticeable during activities such as reading. Dry MD accounts for about 80% of all macular degeneration cases, but leads to only 20% of cases in which there is a severe loss of vision.

Wet MD is less frequent but accounts for the majority of cases with severe vision loss. It is significantly more aggressive in nature and is caused by an abnormal growth of new blood vessels that leak blood and other fluids. Wet MD disrupts the central viewing function of the macula resulting in visual distortion and eventually the loss of central vision entirely.

What are the signs or symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

• Blurring of central vision
• Difficulty reading or performing tasks that require the ability to see detail
• Distorted vision (Straight lines such as a doorway or the edge of a window may appear wavy or bent.)
• Blurring of central vision

Managing Macular Degeneration

Research for treatments for macular degeneration has progressed dramatically. New technologies now exist for treating the disease. In the meantime, high-intensity reading lamps, magnifiers and other low-vision aids help people with macular degeneration make the most of their remaining vision.

Important Macular Degeneration Links

For more information on MD, visit:

• MD Alliance (Macular Degeneration Alliance)