1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration
By Tom Boyles, Dustin Broadus, Lori Buckle, Constance Marsh, and April Seybold

2. What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular Degeneration is a group of progressive eye conditions which involve deterioration of the macula, the central region of the retina.
Partial list of types of Macular Degeneration:
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Juvenile Macular Degeneration or Macular Dystrophy
Stargardt’s Disease, a type of Juvenile Macular Degeneration

3. RISK FACTORS for MACULAR DEGENERATION
Smoking
Family history of the disease
Obesity
High blood pressure
Having a lighter eye color
Possible side effect of some drugs

4. SOCIETAL IMPACT
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD or AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss in Americans over the age of 60.
Estimations say 10 million Americans will experience ARMD during their lifetime.

5. There are two general types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration:
“Dry” (non-neovascular or atrophic)
Early stage, less severe
85%-95% of cases 
Most common symptom is burry vision 
3 Stages: Early, Intermediate, & Advanced
“Wet” (neovascular or exudative)
More severe than “Dry” ARMD
Early symptom: Straight lines appear wavy
Central vision blind spots develop
Two sub-types: Occult & Classic

6. How is it diagnosed?
If retinal damage is suspected, an ophthalmologist will perform a retinal exam.

7. Fluorescein angiography is used to examine the retinal blood vessels.
In “Wet” ARMD unwanted, proliferating blood vessels leak blood & fluid causing permanent damage to light-sensitive retinal cells.
In “Dry” ARMD yellowish waste deposits, called drusen form on the retina.

8. An Amsler grid assists with diagnosis
is a tool that
eye doctors use to detect vision problems resulting from damage to
the macula.
The lines may look wavy if you have Early “Dry” ARMD.
Small blind spots may appear in your vision as dry macular degeneration progresses.

9. CHANGES IN THE MACULA

10. What impact does ARMD have on the vision?
Distorted Vision
Loss of sharp, central vision needed for reading, driving, etc.
Difficulty seeing fine detail
Difficulty seeing color clearly

11. Common Treatments
There is no cure for “Dry” or “Wet” ARMD at this point in time.
No FDA-approved treatments exist for “Dry” ARMD.
Studies indicate taking vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, lutein, antioxidants, & Omega-3 oils may help prevent or slow “Dry” Macular Degeneration.

12. Common Treatments
Various FDA approved drugs are used to slow down the progression of “Wet” ARMD.
Lucentis, Macugen
Visudyne used with
Photodynamic Therapy or PDT

13. What will improve the lives of individuals with ARMD?
Low vision aids such as magnifiers
UV protected sunglasses
Proper lighting for near tasks
Regular visits to your ophthalmologist or optometrist

14. References
1. About AMD. Retrieved July 25, 2009, from
2. Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Retrieved July 25, 2009, from
3. American Macular Degeneration Foundation. Stargardt’s Disease. Retrieved on July 26, 2009, from
4. Dictionary of Eye Terminology 5th Edition. Barbara Cassin and Melin L. Rubin, Editor Gainesville, Fl, pg 167.
5. Ken Moses, Ph. D. The Impact of Childhood Disability: The Parent’s Struggle. Retrieved July 26, from mpact08.pdf+ken+moses+disabled&hl=en&gl=us
6. Liz Segre. Amsler Grid: Test for Macular Degeneration or Other Vision Problems. Retrieved July 25, 2009, from
7. Marika Veisson. Depression Symptoms and Emotional States in Parents of Disabled and Non-Disabled Children. Retrieved July 26, 2009, from
8. Marilyn Maddrill. Macular Degeneration. Retrieved July 25, 2009, from
9. Marilyn Maddrill. Stargardt's Disease (Fundus Flavimaculatus). Retrieved July 26, 2009, from
10. Richard L. Windsor, O.D., F.A.A.O. and Laura K. Windsor, O.D., F.A.A.O. Understanding Stargardt’s Disease. Retrieved July 26, 2009, from