About Macular Degeneration

Causes of Age Related Macular Degeneration

The Retina is a highly vascular tissue that requires the continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients in order to maintain its normal health. As we age, the small arteries that supply the Retina become hardened and begin to narrow. The hardening and narrowing of these arteries deprives the Macula of oxygen and nutrition causing it to begin to degenerate. This results in a gradual progressive loss of functioning of the sensitive tissue. The changes in your vision caused by Macular Degeneration can be mild resulting in a slight “dimming” or “distortion” of your central vision, or they may be extreme resulting in a complete loss of your central vision. Macular Degeneration DOES NOT cause complete blindness as the effects of Macular Degeneration are limited to the central Retina and therefore will spare your peripheral vision.

	Anatomy of the Retina and Macula
	Types of Macular Degeneration
	Causes of Age Related Macular Degeneration
	Types of Age Related Macular Degeneration
	Diagnosis of Macular Degeneration