Things to know and remember about Macular Degeneration

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.

• There are two forms of age-related macular degeneration — dry and wet.
• The risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) increases with age. AMD is most common in older people, but it can occur during middle age.
• Other risk factors include smoking, obesity, race, family history and gender.
• AMD causes no pain, but an early symptom of wet AMD is that straight lines appear wavy. The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision.
• Vision lost cannot be restored. That’s why early detection and treatment are important.