The retina's central portion, known as the macula, is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye, and it controls our ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors, and see objects in fine detail.

As people age, their chances for developing eye diseases increase dramatically. Unfortunately, the specific factors that cause macular degeneration are not conclusively known and research into this little-understood disease is limited by insufficient funding.

	The "dry" form (or atrophic type) of macular degeneration affects the most central, clear vision in the back of the eye within the retina. Treatment of this type of macular degeneration is very difficult. << Move mouse over image for animation
	The "wet" form (or disciform type), also affects the central vision. << Move mouse over image for animation
	In some case, laser treatment may help.

Treatment
With early detection, there are some treatment options available to those suffering from macular degeneration. In some case, we can
use treatment to delay the onset of the disease.