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Age-related macular degeneration

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Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes blurry vision and makes it hard to read, drive, and see pictures or faces. It happens because of damage to the macula, the part of the eye that helps you see the fine detail in things that are in front of you.

There are two types of macular degeneration: wet and dry.

  • In the dry form, central vision grows dimmer or more blurry as the disease progresses.
  • In the wet form, symptoms appear suddenly, get worse rapidly, and often lead to severe central vision loss.

The wet form is much less common, but it is more sudden and severe.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.