Macular degeneration affects cells in the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for central vision.  Central vision is essential for most basic tasks like reading, driving, recognizing people, etc.  Thus, although macular degeneration leaves peripheral vision un-impaired, it can be quite debilitating in its advanced state.

The disease exists in two forms, dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is by far the most common (roughly 90% of all cases).  However, it is the milder of the two forms, develops gradually, and usually leads to only minor vision loss.  Dry macular degeneration tends to occur when yellow fatty particles called drusen accumulate in the retina underneath the macula.  This build-up results in thinning and drying-out of the macular cells.

Wet macular degeneration is less common, but the vast majority of severe vision loss cases result from this form.  First, abnormal blood vessels form underneath the surface of the retina.  Leakage of blood and other fluids from these blood vessels permanently damage the outside cells (which detect incoming light).  As these cells are damaged, vision is lost.

The primary cause of macular degeneration remains unknown.  Macular degeneration typically occurs more frequently in the aging population with patients over 60.  Research has shown there are many other factors such as family history, smoking, hypertension, obesity, and/or a high cholesterol, high fat diet that may contribute towards the development of macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration symptoms may include:

• Shadows, blurriness, or holes in the center of vision.
• Straight lines appear wavy.
• Trouble seeing details both up close and at a distance.
• Difficulty telling colors apart, especially ones close in hue.
• Vision can be slow to come back after bright light exposure.