Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): An eye disease in which the macula is damaged. This can lead to loss of central vision.
Amsler grid: A tool used to keep track of vision changes, with which you can test yourself daily. It is a grid of black lines with a black dot in the middle.
Antioxidants: Vitamins and nutrients like beta-carotene that may help slow progression of macular degeneration for some patients.
Central vision: Images seen from the center of the eye, coming from light signals received at the macula.
Drusen: Small deposits that form under the retina, associated with macular degeneration.
Dry macular degeneration: A type of macular degeneration in which deposits called drusen form under the retina. This type can lead to wet macular degeneration.
Eye Chart
Eye chart: A tool your doctor uses to check your vision. It has letters that are decreasing in size.
Eye doctor: A medical doctor specializing in the treatment of diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is an eye doctor; they are different terms for the same profession.
Fluorescein angiography: A test in which picture are taken of your retina, after dye is put into your arm. It allows your doctor to look at the back of your eye and keep track of your disease.
Macula: The small, central part of the retina that allows you to see fine detail.
Ophthalmologist: A medical doctor specializing in the treatment of diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is an eye doctor; they are different terms for the same profession.
Optometrist: A state-licensed health care professional with a doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. An optometrist can prescribe glasses, contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, and medications.
Diagram of the Eye
Peripheral vision: Side vision or images seen from the side of the eye.
Retina: The part of your eye that receives light signals and sends them to your brain.
Wet macular degeneration: A type of macular degeneration, where new, abnormal, and weak blood vessels form under the macula. The blood vessels break and leak blood and fluid, which leads to central vision loss.
