What is macular degeneration?

Sometimes the delicate cells of the macula become damaged and stop working, and there are many different conditions which can cause this. If it occurs later in life, it is called 'age-related macular degeneration'. Unfortunately we do not yet know why this happens.

Broadly speaking, there are two types of macular degeneration, usually referred to as 'wet' and 'dry'. This is not a description of what the eye feels like, but what can see when looking at the macula. Only about 10 per cent of all people with macular degeneration have the 'wet' type (all others are affected by the 'dry' type).

'Wet' macular degeneration results in a build-up of fluid under the retina. This causes bleeding and scarring which leads to sight loss. It can progress rapidly, normally within a few months, and sometimes responds to laser treatment in the early stages, as well as other new recent treatments.

'Dry' macular degeneration usually develops slowly, often over years, and there is as yet no treatment.

Macular degeneration usually involves both eyes, although one may be affected long before the other. This sometimes makes the condition difficult to notice at first because the sight in the 'good' eye is compensating for the loss of sight in the affected eye.

You cannot wear out your sight, so do not be afraid to continue to use the 'good' eye as normal.