ARMD and AMD 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 the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and definitions
of parts of the retina, and the section of short definitions
of clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system.
For further information see also our section of Books
about Ophthalmology. |
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This Section
is about
Diseases
and Disorders of the Eyes and Visual System.
To read about other diseases, disorders, or conditions of the eye and
human visual system, use the links on the left-side of this page.
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