Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is an eye disorder associated predominantly with aging, and represents the leading cause of vision loss among people age 50 and older. The condition manifests itself through a progressive degradation of the central part of the retina, known as the macula, which records images and sends them via the optic nerve to the brain. The macula's critical role in our vision makes the effects of AMD particularly debilitating; it targets the central vision we need for tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD is the most common form, accounting for approximately 80 to 90 percent of AMD cases. This type results from aging and thinning of macular tissues, depositing of pigment in the macula or a combination of both. Patients usually experience a gradual decline in vision. In contrast, wet AMD is characterized by blood vessels that grow under the retina in the back of the eye, leaking blood and fluid, which in turn causes damage to the macula. The vision loss from this type of AMD can be faster and more noticeable than that from dry AMD.

The precise cause of macular degeneration is unknown, but the condition has been linked to a variety of risk factors such as age, smoking, genetics, race, and a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking treatment promptly is essential to manage the condition and slow its progression.

While there is currently no cure for AMD, there are ways to manage it and help slow down its progression. Lifestyle modifications such as eating a healthy diet rich in leafy green vegetables and fish, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and having routine eye examinations can reduce the risk and slow the progression of the disease. In addition, for certain cases of wet AMD, therapies that inhibit the development of new blood vessels in the eye have shown promise. These treatments, however, must be administered by ophthalmologists via injections in the eye.

Though AMD leads to a reduced quality of life for many elderly people, continued research brings hope. Developments in gene therapy, stem cell treatment, and implants continue to forge a way forward, offering promise for better treatments and preventative measures. Until then, AMD awareness, early detection, and management are the best methods of maintaining, and potentially improving, vision health in older adults.