After reading the information below, click here to learn more about POB’s programs for people with macular degeneration.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a group of eye diseases that can damage the macula, the part of your eye responsible for central vision and fine detail. Central vision affects how you see things that you are looking at directly, such as faces and clocks. Although damage from macular degeneration is painless, it will cause deterioration of your central vision. This can make it more difficult to perform regular activities like reading and driving.

There are two main types of macular degeneration:
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and
• Stargardt’s Disease, an inherited eye disease


AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans over 60. In some cases, it advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of central vision in both eyes within a short amount of time. A comprehensive dilated eye exam is the best way to find AMD in its early stages and get you on a treatment plan to slow or stop the progression of vision loss.

Macular degeneration comes in two forms: dry and wet.

Dry AMD

Ninety percent of all people with AMD have this form. Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down. This causes gradual blurring of central vision in the affected eye. As dry AMD gets worse, a person may see a blurred spot in the center of his or her vision. Over time, as less of the macula functions, central vision is gradually lost in the affected eye. Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected. Scientists are still not sure what causes dry AMD, but recent research has linked this disease to inflammation in the body.

The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred central vision. For example, a person may have difficulty recognizing faces or need more light to read. A common feature found during a clinical exam is the presence of drusen, which are yellow fatty deposits under the retina.

How does dry AMD develop?

Dry AMD has three stages, all of which may occur in one or both eyes:

  1. Early AMD: People with early AMD have either several small drusen or a few medium-sized drusen. At this stage, there are no symptoms and no vision loss.
  2. Intermediate AMD: People with intermediate AMD have either many medium-sized drusen or one or more large drusen. Some people see a blurred spot in the center of their vision. More light may be needed for reading and other tasks.
  3. Advanced Dry AMD: In addition to drusen, people with advanced dry AMD have an area of tissue breakdown in the central retinal area called geographic atrophy (GA). GA can cause a blurred spot in the center of your vision. Over time, GA may get bigger and results in more loss of central vision.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is present in 10 to 15% of all people with AMD, and occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. These new vessels often leak blood and fluid that damage the macula. With wet AMD, loss of central vision can occur quickly.

An early symptom of wet AMD is that straight lines appear wavy. If you notice this condition or other changes to your vision, contact your eye care professional at once.

Can the dry form turn into the wet form?

Yes. All people who had wet form AMD had the dry form first. The dry form can advance and cause vision loss without turning into the wet form. The dry form also can suddenly turn into the wet form, even during early-stage AMD. There is no way to tell if or when the dry form will turn into the wet form.

Can advanced AMD be either the dry form or the wet form?

Yes. Both the wet form and the advanced dry form are considered advanced AMD. Vision loss occurs with either form. In most cases, only advanced AMD can cause significant vision loss. People who have advanced AMD in one eye are at especially high risk of developing advanced AMD in the other eye.

Risk Factors:

How can I prevent or slow progression of AMD?

Treatments: