# What is the Macula and Macular Disease?

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

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-07

> **Summary:** The macula is the centre of the retina, responsible for central vision. Macular disease (age-related macular degeneration) is the progressive degeneration of the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium in the macula; it generally appears after the age of fifty, becomes more common with age and is the leading cause of central sight loss in older people. It cannot always be cured, but treatment such as anti-VEGF injections can slow it and preserve or improve vision.

## Quick Facts
- **Onset:** Generally after the age of fifty, more common with age
- **Types:** Dry (most common) and wet (affects vision more)
- **Main treatment for wet form:** Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections, monthly or at extended intervals
- **Dry form:** No definitive treatment; progression can be slowed

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## What is the Macula and Macular Disease?
- The macula lies at the centre of the retina, where most of the eye's nerve cells are.
- As macular tissue wears, central vision deteriorates and seeing detail at any distance becomes difficult, affecting phone use, reading, driving and more.
- Besides age, it can follow trauma to the eye or genetic factors. Anyone who suspects it should see a doctor early.

## Risk Factors
Advanced age, obesity, diabetes, smoking, heavy UV exposure, hypertension, vascular conditions, genetic predisposition.

## Symptoms
- Being strongly affected by high or low light
- Difficulty making out objects and recognising faces
- A central grey or dark patch (scotoma)
- Fading of colour and contrast
- Difficulty looking steadily at text, an object or a person
- Blurred vision
- Needing more light for reading or phone use; extra difficulty in dim surroundings

## Types
- **Wet:** Abnormal new vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid and blood into the macula; vision is affected more.
- **Dry:** The most common form; often starts in one eye and may later appear in the other. With one eye affected, seeing is not greatly impaired. It can sometimes progress into the wet form.

## Treatment
- Differs from person to person; complete recovery may not be possible when age-related.
- **Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections**, monthly or at extended intervals, preserve or improve vision.
- Certain minerals and vitamins can reduce the risk of progression in some patients.
- The page says macular disease "was once treated with laser methods, or was thought to be", while the surgery section says laser can be used in wet macular disease to prevent vessel formation, though not for every patient.

### Wet Macular Disease
- Aim: slow progression, preserve vision and in some cases improve it.
- Medicines injected into the eye reduce leakage from abnormal vessels and their further growth; they are cleared over time and injections can be repeated.
- Results depend on the patient's response and regular treatment.

### Dry Macular Disease
- No definitive treatment; surgery is not applied because it has no effect.
- In the intermediate stage, specific vitamin, zinc and mineral supplements recommended by the doctor can lower the risk of reaching the advanced stage; this benefit has not been shown in the early stage.
- Regular eye examinations, following the doctor's advice and early diagnosis matter.

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## References
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), NEI
- Age-related macular degeneration (NG82), NICE
- AREDS/AREDS2 Clinical Trials, NEI