Age-related Macular Degeneration
Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a progressive RETINAL DISEASE that affects the MACULA of the RETINA, causing deterioration of CENTRAL VISION and commonly leading to vision loss in older adults.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a chronic degenerative EYE DISEASE involving damage to the MACULA, the central region of the RETINA responsible for sharp and detailed CENTRAL VISION. It primarily affects older individuals and occurs due to degeneration of PHOTORECEPTOR CELLS, RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM (RPE), and underlying retinal structures. ARMD is classified into DRY MACULAR DEGENERATION, characterized by the accumulation of DRUSEN and gradual retinal damage, and WET MACULAR DEGENERATION, caused by abnormal CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION and leakage of blood or fluid beneath the retina. Advanced ARMD may result in severe central vision impairment while PERIPHERAL VISION is usually preserved. Diagnosis involves FUNDOSCOPY, OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY (OCT), and other retinal imaging techniques, while treatment may include ANTI-VEGF THERAPY for wet ARMD.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is an eye disease that affects the central part of the retina, causing blurry or reduced central vision, especially in older people.
• ARMD is an age-related eye condition affecting the macula of the retina. • The macula helps provide clear, sharp central vision needed for reading and recognizing faces. • Damage to the macula causes blurred, distorted, or reduced central vision. • It commonly affects people as they get older. • There are two main types: • Dry ARMD: slower progression with buildup of small deposits called drusen. • Wet ARMD: more severe form caused by abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. • Peripheral (side) vision is usually maintained. • Diagnosis may involve eye examination and retinal imaging tests. • Treatments can slow progression, especially for wet ARMD.
Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 and older. It is a disease that destroys your sharp, central vision. You need central vision to see objects clearly and to do tasks such as reading and driving.
AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. It does not hurt, but it causes cells in the macula to die. There are two types: wet and dry. Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula. These new blood vessels often leak blood and fluid. Wet AMD damages the macula quickly. Blurred vision is a common early symptom. Dry AMD happens when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down. You gradually lose your central vision. A common early symptom is that straight lines appear crooked.
Regular comprehensive eye exams can detect macular degeneration before the disease causes vision loss. Treatment can slow vision loss. It does not restore vision.
NIH: National Eye Institute
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