What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a disease that weakens one’s ability to see sharp central images. 

Macular refers to the macula, a portion of the retina that is responsible for your “detail” vision.  Degeneration means to break down.  Therefore, as the macula begins to break down, one cannot normally process images. 

Macular degeneration can be classified into two categories, dry (non-neovascular) or wet (neovascular).   

As one ages, the macular tissue begins to thin.  The thinning can cause deposits to build up on the macula.  This process is known as dry macular degeneration, which is the most common form.  Wet macular degeneration occurs when new blood vessels grow beneath the retina near the macula.  They produce fluids that inhibit the macular function; thereby causing blind spots in vision.