Macular Degeneration

Overview

How a patient with macular degeneration might see the world.

Deposits form and blood vessels grow in the macular region between the retina and its supporting layer of tissue.

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Ophthalmologists at Mayo Clinic have extensive experience treating patients with macular degeneration and other diseases of the retina. Mayo specialists treat 7,000 or more patients each year for macular degeneration. Mayo is on the forefront of new therapies for the disease. Ophthalmologists consult with their colleagues in different specialties to design a treatment plan to fit each patient. Their overall aim is to improve the quality of life for patients with macular degeneration by preserving as much current eyesight as possible, and preventing further deterioration of vision.

Diagnosis

People with macular degeneration may notice rapid onset of symptoms, slight symptoms that progress gradually, or no symptoms at all. Physicians may decide to test for the disease based on family history and any symptoms the patient is experiencing. A thorough eye examination is performed in which the physician looks for abnormalities in the back of the eye, in a portion of the retina called the macula. Read more about macular degeneration diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Mayo Clinic offers the latest treatments for patients with macular degeneration, including a new injectable drug therapy. The goal of these treatments is to preserve current eyesight and prevent future vision loss. There have been many recent advances in treatment for wet macular degeneration, and research into the disease's dry form is ongoing at Mayo Clinic. Read more about macular degeneration treatment options.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye condition that typically affects people age 50 and older, and is the leading cause of severe vision loss in those over 60. A part of the retina (the tissue at the back of the eye) called the macula specifically allows central vision, which is critical for reading and recognizing faces. When a person has macular degeneration, the macula begins to deteriorate, causing anything from blurred or slightly distorted central vision to a blind spot in the center of the visual field. There are two stages of macular degeneration: dry and wet.

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