What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is the deterioration of the macula, the retina’s area of central vision. As of January 2015, macular degeneration is the primary cause of vision loss in Americans over 60 years old, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

The two major types of macular degeneration are dry (atrophic) and wet (exudative). Dry macular degeneration accounts for 90 percent of macular degeneration cases, according to Williamson Eye Institute. Patients with macular degeneration may experience progressively worsening blurred vision and sometimes decreased or distorted color perception. Risk factors for macular degeneration include smoking, obesity, hypertension and a high cholesterol count.