# What is Macular Degeneration?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/what-is-macular-degeneration

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-09

> **Summary:** Macular degeneration (macular disease) is the structural deterioration of the macula, the small central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision, and generally appears after the age of fifty. The common dry form progresses slowly, while the wet form can cause sudden sight loss and is treated with anti-VEGF injections; progression can be slowed but not fully reversed.

## Quick Facts
- **Typical onset:** After the age of fifty, more common with age
- **Macula:** Around five per cent of the retina, responsible for ninety-five per cent of sight
- **Dry form:** Most common; takes almost ten years to affect vision
- **Wet form:** Can cause sudden, painless sight loss; treated with intraocular anti-VEGF injections
- **Check-ups:** Older people should have an eye examination at least once a year

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## What is the Macula?
A lentil-sized nerve area at the centre of the retina where light gathers. The yellow pigments zeaxanthin and lutein protect it from excess light, giving the name macula lutea (yellow spot). Because of its intense metabolism, waste deposits can build up, disturbing nourishment of retinal cells, which lose function and deteriorate.

## Types
- **Dry form:** Most common, advances very slowly. Undrained waste forms white and yellow spots called drusen, gradually damaging nerve cells.
- **Wet form:** Uncontrolled new vessels grow and bleed, causing sudden sight loss; painless, so it may go unnoticed.

## Risk Factors
- Age (after fifty); very unlikely in young people, though some hereditary forms appear young
- Heavy sunlight exposure
- Genetic predisposition
- Smoking and alcohol use

## Symptoms
Few or vague in early stages, increasing later:
- Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted; seeing lines when looking at a light
- Dark or blank patch at the centre of vision
- Blurred central vision with clear edges
- Objects appearing smaller or larger than they are

Delayed diagnosis can lead to permanent loss of central vision.

## Diagnosis
- Often found at routine check-ups because it advances insidiously.
- Tests: slit lamp examination, visual field test, visual acuity; pupil-dilating drops to view the back of the eye.
- Wet form: optical coherence tomography (OCT), with eye angiography if needed.

## Treatment
- **Wet form:** Intraocular anti-VEGF injections to reduce uncontrolled vessel growth.
- **Dry form:** No treatment stops it; at the intermediate stage, macula-specific vitamin and mineral supplements (AREDS formula) can slow progression. Supplements with lutein, zeaxanthin and omega 3 can be helpful on a doctor's advice.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Does macular degeneration heal completely?**
A: No, but its progression can be slowed, so early treatment matters.

**Q: Does it cause blindness?**
A: At advanced stages it can cause serious central sight loss; complete blindness is rare.

**Q: Does diet matter?**
A: Yes. A diet with lutein, zeaxanthin and omega 3 is recommended.

**Q: Is the injection treatment painful?**
A: It is given with anaesthetic drops and generally no pain is felt; mild stinging can follow.

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## References
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), National Eye Institute
- Age-related macular degeneration (NG82), NICE