Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a breakdown of the macula—the small area in the retina at the back of the eye that allows you to see fine details clearly and perform activities such as reading and driving. When the macula does not function correctly, your central vision can be affected by blurriness, dark areas or distortion.

Many older people develop macular degeneration as part of the body's natural aging process. Exactly why it develops is not known, and no treatment has been uniformly effective. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of severe vision loss in people over 65.

> Learn more about age-related macular degeneration

Are you at risk for AMD?

The major risk factors for acquiring AMD are:

• Over age 60
• Family history of AMD

Other risk factors include:

• Cigarette smoking
• Obesity
• Hypertension

If you have any two of these risk factors, you should schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist for an evaluation. (Any one of these top two warrants evaluation.)

Regular medical eye exams can help prevent unnecessary vision loss. The American Academy of Ophthalmology now recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40—the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Based on the results of the initial screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams.

Last reviewed and updated in February 2009,
by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.