What Is Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

The main cause of blindness among those 50 and older in the industrialized world is Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  This disease affects the retina and plagues 8.7% of the world's population, and a much higher percentage of those over age 60.

The macula is the rearmost part of the retina.  When it deteriorates, patients are unable to see clearly straight ahead - which is where we primarily look when we are talking to someone, reading, driving, using our electronic devices, cooking, and performing tasks of daily living.  AMD does not eliminate this central vision entirely, but degrades it substantially.  A result is that the patient relies much more heavily on peripheral vision.

Learn more about Age-related macular degeneration

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