Age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD or macular degeneration, is an eye disease that generally develops due to ageing, genetics, or outside factors like smoking. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults over 55 and older.
AMD develops with no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Over time, however, the disease will slowly damage your macula, the central part of your retina responsible for providing your central vision.
As it develops, you may experience difficulties reading, driving, or even recognizing faces. In advanced stages, it can cause blindness.
There are 2 common types of AMD: