Macular degeneration (MD) is a medical condition that occurs when the macula, a part of the retina, is damaged. Age-related MD (AMD) is generally categorized as wet or dry AMD. Four out of five individuals living with AMD experience dry AMD, which results in the gradual loss of central vision. Wet AMD is a less common, more advanced condition that can result in rapid vision loss.

Individuals living with the symptoms of AMD can discuss treatment options with an ophthalmologist. Wet AMD has responded to anti-VEGF drugs, a family of medications that minimize the presence of abnormal blood vessels that impact the retina. Lucentis, the first effective drug for wet AMD treatment, was launched by Genentech.

Newly FDA approved drugs Syfovre and Izervay are effective treatment for Geographic Atrophy (a component of Dry AMD) , which can be supplemented with daily vitamin and mineral supplements that can help mitigate vision loss, including vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, and lutein. Foods associated with superior eye health include fish, vegetables, and dark leafy greens.

It is difficult to reduce the risk of developing AMD, as individuals cannot stop themselves from getting older. That said, controllable risk factors for AMD include smoking cigarettes, eating fatty foods, and living at an unhealthy weight.