Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is the deterioration of the part of the eye (macula) that allows for seeing clearly in the center of the field of vision, as well as the ability to see straight ahead, and is the leading cause of central vision loss among older individuals over the age of 50.
Macular degeneration has two types: 1) Dry macular degeneration, and 2) Wet macular degeneration.
Dry macular degeneration, also known as Non-neovascular macular degeneration, is the most common type (90%) and gradually causes significant vision loss as the macular cells deteriorate, leading to blurry vision and blank spots in the center field of vision.
Wet macular degeneration is the less common and more serious type (10%) and occurs when new blood vessels grow (choroidal neovascularization; CNV) beneath the retina that leak blood and fluid into the macula and cause scarring that leads to rapid vision loss.
Age-related macular degeneration is more common in individuals of European descent.