Macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula, the area of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision — the vision we use to read, recognize faces, or drive — while peripheral vision is generally preserved.

There are two main forms: dry, which is more common and progresses slowly, and wet, which is less common but progresses faster, caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the macula that can bleed or cause swelling.

The wet form is treated with intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF (anti-angiogenic) medications, which block the growth of those abnormal vessels and help preserve central vision. The sooner treatment begins, the better the long-term visual outlook.