Age-related Macular Degeneration

A) Figure showing the back of the eye (retinal fundus) in the “dry”  and "wet" forms of AMD. In the dry form, there is typically thinning, scarring and atrophy of the central macular region. In the wet form, there is growth of abnormal blood vessels and hemorrhaging beneath the central macular region. (Figures from  www.eyemdlink.com). B) A visual scene as might be viewed by a patient with AMD. (figure from  www.nei.nih.gov)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects the macula and thus can potentially destroy central vision. There are two forms of the disease: a less severe non-exudative ("dry") form and the more devastating exudative ("wet") form which is characterized by the presence of newly formed blood vessels and hemorrhages. The risk of developing AMD increases with age. Either type may affect just one eye, but if one eye has AMD, then the other eye is at greater risk to develop the condition as well.