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Age-related macular degeneration

, also known as age-related macular degeneration, is an eye disease that gradually damages the macula, the small central part of the responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. It mainly affects older adults and can make tasks like reading, driving, recognizing faces, or seeing fine details difficult. Wet ARMD is when abnormal blood grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood, damaging the retina and causing rapid loss of central vision. Dry AMRD is when the macula gradually thins and small deposits called drusen build up, leading to a slow loss of central vision.

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Symptoms — what it feels like

  • ·Blurred or no vision in the center of the visual field

Causes — why it happens

  • ·Damage to the macula of the

How it's found

  • ·Eye examination

Prevention

  • ·Exercise, healthy diet, quit smoking

Treatment

  • ·Anti-VEGF medication injected into the eye, laser coagulation, photodynamic therapy

Complications

  • ·Visual hallucinations
Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.