Macular Degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, the layer of the eye that sends the images we see to the brain. The condition, also known as age-related macular degeneration, may result in blurred or no vision in the center of the visual field. In its early stages, there are often no symptoms, but over time some people experience a gradual worsening of vision that may affect one or both eyes. While it does not result in complete blindness, loss of central vision can make it hard to recognize faces, drive, read, or perform other activities of daily life. In some cases, macular degeneration can also cause visual hallucinations.
Causes & Risk Factors
For the dry form of macular degeneration, the condition is linked to bits of fat and protein called drusen that collect under the retina, which is a layer of tissue at the back of the eye that processes light. No one knows where the drusen comes from, but it is thought to be pieces of waste from the retina that aren’t properly discarded and recycled. For the wet form of the diseases, extra blood vessels form in the eye underneath the macula. These new vessels tend to leak blood and other fluid into your eye, which causes damage. It's not clear exactly why the vessels form, although some experts think it may be part of an effort to get rid of the drusen.
Symptoms
Blurred or “fuzzy” vision
Straight lines, such as sentences on a page, appearing wavy or distorted
Blurry areas on printed pages or other surfaces
Difficulty reading or seeing details in low light levels
Extra sensitivity to glare