Macular Degeneration Info Page

Macular degeneration

Macular Degeneration is the major cause of blindness in this country. Dry type macular degeneration is most common affecting older people.  It is a chronic eye disease marked by damage to structures in the back of the eye which are responsible for central vision.  Total blindness will not result from macular degeneration.  Wet type macular degeneration happens when new blood vessel form under the central retina.  It is much more devastating to central vision than dry macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration can develop secondarily to dry macular degeneration.  A thorough eye exam with a dilated pupil is the only way to diagnose and determine the extent of the disease.