Learn more about Macular Degeneration and Age-Related Eye Disease.
Macular degeneration is a medical condition usually of older adults that results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina. It occurs in “dry” and “wet” forms. It is a major cause of visual impairment in the elderly (>50 years). Macular degeneration can make it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces, although enough peripheral vision remains to allow other activities of daily life.
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What is AREDS? The goal of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study is to learn about macular degeneration and cataract, two leading causes of vision loss n older adults.
The study looks at how these two diseases progress and what their causes may be. In addition, the study tested certain vitamins and minerals to find out if they can help to prevent or slow these diseases. Participants in the study did not have to have either disease. Eleven medical centers in the United States are taking part in the study, and more than 4,700 people across the country are enrolled in AREDS. The study is supported by the National Eye Institute, part of the Federal Government National Institutes of Health.
