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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.

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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Join us in the fight to end brain and eye disease

  • 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—1,532 research projects involving more than 5056 scientists in 24 countries.

  • You can make a difference. 
    Support macular degeneration research to help find a cure.

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Is this a new diagnosis?

The first few weeks after a diagnosis can be overwhelming, and leave you with many questions and concerns.

If you are managing a new diagnosis, we have a Getting Started Guide that will help you understand and manage your disease.

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