Macular Degeneration

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Basic Facts

Macular degeneration involves problems with the retina. The retina sends visual signals to a person’s brain.

The center of the retina is called the macula. It helps a person see what is straight in front of them. The macula helps a person see someone’s face, drive, and watch TV.

As people get older, they are more likely to have age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). About one third of people age 75 and older have macular degeneration.

People can have “dry” or “wet” macular degeneration.

Dry Macular Degeneration

  • Eighty to 90 percent of people with ARMD have the dry type. The macula thins out and this leads to slow loss of vision.
  • People with this type of ARMD benefit from regularly:
    • Having eye exams
    • Checking their vision
    • Telling their healthcare professional about any changes to vision because dry ARMD can become the more dangerous wet ARMD

Wet Macular Degeneration

  • Ten to 20 percent of people with ARMD have the wet type. This type involves thinning of the macula and growth of harmful blood vessels under the retina.
  • Wet macular degeneration can cause quick and severe vision loss and blindness. This requires urgent evaluation. The goal is to prevent permanent vision loss.  

 

Last Updated May 2023

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