Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the light-sensitive inner lining of the back of the eye. The macula is the central area of the retina necessary for sharp vision needed for reading or recognizing faces. Macular degeneration does not cause total blindness. The remaining and undamaged parts of the retina around the macula continue to provide peripheral vision. Distortion seen when looking at the center of an Amsler Grid can indicate macular degeneration.
With advancing age, the cells in the retina become less efficient. Ultimately, deposits called drusen appear within the retina. Many large drusen may cause a decrease in vision or indicate a risk of developing macular degeneration. Changes in the pigment layer of the retina may also affect vision. These two types of changes in the macula are known as "dry" macular degeneration, the most common form. Currently, there is no known treatment for dry AMD. The "wet" form of macular degeneration causes more severe visual loss. Abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and result in bleeding and leakage of fluid. In some cases of wet macular degeneration, laser treatment can be affective at destroying the abnormal vessels. Argon and Krypton laser treatments cauterize the abnormal vessels. PDT laser activates photosensitive chemicals to destroy the abnormal vessels. TTT laser heats the retina to destroy areas of leakage in the macula. Laser cannot always treat wet macular degeneration successfully.
