Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S., with millions of older Americans showing some sign of the disorder. Because the symptoms usually do not appear in people under 55 years of age, the disorder is more accurately referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Since the macula is the central part of the retina, AMD affects central vision, the detailed vision you need for driving, reading, and close work like sewing. If you were looking at a photograph, you would not be able to see the middle of the picture but could still see the edges (preserved peripheral vision). The disorder occurs in two forms, dry and wet. The less common wet form of AMD requires immediate medical attention. Any delay in treatment may result in loss of your central vision.