---
url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/macular-degeneration'
title: 'Macular Degeneration'
author:
  name: 'Jennifer Cross'
  url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/user/102'
date: '2018-11-21T18:46:11+00:00'
updated: '2026-10-01T20:46:14+00:00'
type: topic
summary: 'Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a disease that damages part of your retina, the layer of cells, nerves, and blood vessels behind your eyes that sends images to your brain so you can see. ARMD is the leading cause of permanent central vision loss in people 65 and older in developed countries.'
tags:
  - Health
published: true
---
 Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a disease that harms the retina. The retina is the part of your eye that sends images to your brain. ARMD is the most common cause of permanent vision loss in older adults.

Finding out if you have ARMD is important. Your healthcare provider can help you treat it and slow its progress to protect your vision.

[Basic Facts](/a-z-topic/macular-degeneration/basic-facts)

[Causes](/a-z-topic/macular-degeneration/causes)

[Symptoms](/a-z-topic/macular-degeneration/symptoms)

[Diagnosis & Tests](/a-z-topic/macular-degeneration/tests)

[Care & Treatment](/a-z-topic/macular-degeneration/care-treatment)

[Lifestyle & Management](/a-z-topic/macular-degeneration/lifestyle)