Age-related macular degeneration or AMD is the condition of the gradual destruction of the macula that is often associated with old age. AMD ruins the central vision of a person, which is crucial for seeing things in clearer and finer detail. Although AMD damages the macula, not all people affected with this eye disease have changes in their eyesight. There are those that have little or no changes in their vision, while there are those afflicted of the progressive form of the disease, which leads to complete blindness.

AMD can either be a wet AMD or a dry AMD. Wet AMD happens when blood vessels under the retina begin to grow behind the macula. These vessels are fragile and leak fluid and blood that change the macula's position behind the eye. A person has wet AMD if he sees straight lines as curve lines. Wet AMD is often known as an advanced form of the disease, and a person needs a complete dilated eye test to cure his condition. Meanwhile, a dry AMD happens when the light-sensitive cells, found in the macula, begin to breakdown. A person with dry AMD may experience blurred spot in his central vision.

Aside from age, other factors that trigger the dangers of having age-related macular degeneration are obesity, smoking, gender, and family history. Eye specialists recommend patients with early symptoms of AMD to quit smoking, eat balance diet that is high in fish and green vegetables, and have a regular exercise regime.