Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a very common cause of vision problems in the modern world. As ARMD the name means, it is a condition that tends to become more common when you get older. Although this condition may cause significant vision problems, it never leads to complete blindness as it affects only the central part of the vision and the side usually, or peripheral, vision is always left undisturbed.
The retina, which is situated at the back of the eye, transmits the images that we see to the brain. The retina has two main parts - the macular and the peripheral retina. The macular is the part of the retina that is responsible for seeing fine detail, such as reading, seeing facial features and interpreting different colors. It is this part of the retina that is affected by Age-Related Macular Degeneration ARMD.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) Development
Ageing changes and occurs because of 'wear and tear' changes in the macular region. It is thought that waste materials from this very active part of the eye build up as the mechanisms for removing them become less able. This causes damage to the cells over a period of time.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) - Risk of Age-Related Retinal Degeneration
It affects people who are over 60 years of age. Some younger people may be more susceptible, including people who are very shortsighted. Women tend to be affected more commonly than men, but that is probably because they live longer. There is a hereditary tendency, but this has not yet been fully researched. |