What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular Degeneration is an eye disease that affects your central vision. In the back of the eye is the macula, which helps to produce our central vision. When this area is diseased, or damaged, it causes objects in our central vision to become blurred. In other cases, lines become distorted or there may be a blind spot. Most macular degeneration is painless, and age-related, advancing so slowly that it has minor effects on vision as we age. However, women do tend to be at a greater risk, and those with a family history of the condition have been found to be at a higher risk for Macular Degeneration. As with other eye conditions, smoking can also increase the risk of developing Macular Degeneration.

There are two forms of Macular Degeneration:

DRY- most common form, 90% of people who have macular degeneration have this type. The light sensitive cells in the slowly break down, central vision becomes blurred. Scientists have still not found definite causes for this condition.​

WET - the dry form can turn into wet. This type has been found to affect 10% of the population who have macular degeneration. With this type, straight lines will appear wavy, and a blind spot can also develop.