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Macular Degeneration

Dr. Steven Russell examining a patient

Overview

Macular degeneration is a term used to refer to a group of disorders that affect the central portion of the retina and, as a result, the central vision. The most common forms of this disease usually affect patients over the age of 60, and these forms are collectively the most common cause of legal blindness in developed countries. These late-onset forms are usually called "age-related macular degeneration." Age-related macular degeneration is extremely common with as many as one in three patients over the age of 85 affected to some degree. Fortunately, severe visual loss is much less common, affecting perhaps one in 50 people over the age of 85.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about what macular degeneration is, how it affects vision, and how it can be treated.

  1. How does macular degeneration affect vision?
  2. What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?
  3. What causes macular degeneration?
  4. What are some current treatments for macular degeneration?
  5. What is the latest research on macular degeneration?

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The University of Iowa Center for Macular Degeneration
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