Macular Degeneration Research and Education

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and irreversible vision loss in the United States. In this section, you can find out more about macular degeneration and how you can manage care for yourself or a loved one.

Learn more about macular degeneration research funded by BrightFocus Foundation as well as resulting breakthroughs by visiting the Macular Degeneration Research program page.

Healthy Living
For people with macular degeneration or at risk of developing it, a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet is especially important. Learn how healthy living can impact eye health.
Understanding Your Disease
Learn about the two types of macular degeneration (dry versus wet), the signs and symptoms of the disease, prevention and risk factors, screening and diagnosis, and treatments.
Managing Your Disease
Read about steps to handle your disease, including finding a provider and questions to bring to your office visit. Make plans for the future, by understanding insurance and government benefit options and other possibilities for long-term financial planning.
Living with Your Disease
Learn about coping with vision loss, and preparing to live as independently as possible through visual rehabilitation, tips for safety in your environment, support groups, and our list of Helpful Resources for Macular Degeneration.
Caring for Someone Else
Caregivers have a tough job and need to care for themselves as well. Tap into low vision organizations that provide group support, and resources and assistance for persons caring for a loved one with macular degeneration.

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What are the types of age-related macular degeneration?

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Is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) hereditary?

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Everything you need to know about clinical trials

Today's clinical trials will lead to new standards of care in the future.

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Stories & Thanks

Marion’s advice is, “don’t be ashamed to admit you have a handicap. Work with and around it, and ask for assistance when needed, so you can take control again.”
Add Your Story
Thank you for working tirelessly to find a cure for AMD. My mom has wet in both eyes. I have wet in the left eye and dry in the right. I am fearful that I may have passed this on to my daughter. Please continue to work towards a cure so that my daughter does not have to suffer from this horrible disease.
Kay from Texas
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As many as 11 million people in the United States have some form of age-related macular degeneration. This number is expected to double to nearly 22 million by 2050.
We're the leading nonprofit funder of research for the advanced form of macular degeneration.
BrightFocus makes innovative science possible around the world—1,380 research projects involving more than 4,140 scientists in 22 countries.
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