Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Introduction:

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) definition:

AMD is an irreversible central vision loss occurring in the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for a sharp, clear, and straight visual field. Symptoms consist of central visual field haziness, distortion or wavelike images which reduce visual detail. In general, AMD is caused by fatty yellow colored deposits called drusen, atrophy, and choroidal neovascularization (abnormal formation of new blood vessels of the macula). The condition may occur as early as age 50 and incidence increases with age. AMD is divided into dry and wet types: Dry AMD is much more common and is characterized by fatty yellow colored deposits called drusen. Wet AMD occurs with abnormal blood vessel formation. AMD may be graded as early, intermediate, or advanced. It also may be staged by category 1, (low severity) with a small amount of drusen then higher categories are used to describe increasing amounts of drusen in categories 2 and 3. Category 4 (most severe) consisting of new abnormal blood vessel formation and retinal atrophy.