AMD
AMD and ARMD are common abbreviations for "Age-related macular degeneration", which is the most common cause of blindness in the elderly.
Macular degeneration refers to conditions that adversely affect the "macula lutea" (also known as the "yellow spot") on the retina at the back of the eye.
Two types of Age-related macular degeneration are:
- Atrophic (or dry) AMD
... which arises from small blood vessels in the choroid becoming constricted (i.e. too narrow), therefore reducing blood flow to the macula and so resulting in degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium, and - Wet AMD
... which is associated with the occurence of abnormal new blood vessels forming from the choroid (behind the retina), then leaking fluids into the retinal pigment epithelium, with the effect of reducing macular function.
Treatment for these degenerative processes is often available. Ophthalmologists can advise what is appropriate in individual cases.
More about Ophthalmology:
This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include
- A diagram of the eye
- Definitions and descriptions of the parts of the eye
- A concise description of the human retina
- Definitions of parts of the retina
- Clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system
For further information see also our pages of books about ophthalmology.
The following books may also be of interest:
