The Different Types of Macular Degeneration: Dry Macular Degeneration

As explained in the last installment of our blog regarding this topic, macular degeneration is an eye condition affecting the macula that causes central vision loss. Additionally, age-related macular degeneration is the most common form of macular degeneration and it comes in two forms: wet and dry.

85-90% of people afflicted with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) suffer from the dry form. Dry macular degeneration results in the deterioration of layers in the retina due to the gradual breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the macula. These cells are responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain, and when they break down it results in a blurring of an individual’s central vision. Symptoms of this form of macular degeneration usually develop gradually and without pain. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Multiple small, round, yellow-white spots in the back of the eye (can be detected through use of an ophthalmoscope)
• Visual distortion
• Reduced central vision in one or both eyes
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• Difficulty adapting to low light levels
• Blurriness of printed word
• Visual distortions
• Decreased intensity of colors