Macula Vision Research Foundation
Hold both hands flat, palms in, one inch in front of your face...
for the rest of your life. Donate Now
Macular Degeneration 101
What Is Macular Degeneration?
The term macular degeneration is used to describe a group of visual disorders that progressively destroy the cells located in the macula, the central portion of the retina. The light-sensitive cells of the macula generate the high-resolution and color vision we depend on for everyday activities, including reading, driving, and recognizing familiar faces. Damage to these cells has a dramatic impact upon our ability to see and can cause complete blindness in the central visual field.
Visual impairment resulting from macular degeneration may be first noticed by the patient or detected by an ophthalmologist during a routine eye exam. Degenerative changes to the macula make straight lines appear blurry and distort the central visual field. A dark area or "black out" may appear in the center of vision, but peripheral vision often remains clear.
Types of Macular Degeneration
"The Dictionary of Eye Terminology," Fifth Edition, 2006 by Barbara Cassin and Melvin L. Rubin, Editor defines:
macular degeneration. Pathologic condition. Group of conditions that include deterioration of the macula, resulting in loss of sharp central vision. Hereditary types can occur in any age group.
age-related macular degeneration. Pathologic condition. Group of conditions that include deterioration of the macula, resulting in a loss of sharp central vision.
Two general types:
- "dry" which is usually evident as a disturbance of macular pigmentation and deposits of yellowish material under the pigment epithelial layer in the central retinal zone
- "wet" in which abnormal new blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid and blood(neovascularization), further disturbing macular function . This is the most common cause of decreased vision after age 50.
Display Preferences
This animation shows the degenerative changes to the macula. A dark area, or black out, may appear in the center of vision, but peripheral vision often remains clear.